THE 51st annual Tan Hill Sheep Show was held in glorious weather last week when a clear blue sky and warm sunshine drew a large crowd of farmers and visitors. Raymond Calvert, show secretary, was delighted with the event, held on Thursday of last week
Second Division Championship was the venue for this year's competition played on a day of mixed weather with the course escaping the torrential rain that fell nearby. Home course advantage looked likely when the Harrogate B team established an early lead
FORMER Middlesbrough football player John Hendrie has launched an initiative to raise money for needy local children. Radio station 96.6tfm is encouraging businesses in Teesside to "Strip for England" next Friday and show their support for the England
Sir, - The chief constable of North Yorkshire has extracted an apology from Prince Andrew (D&S May 28) but she herself is less enthusiastic about apologising. Longstanding formal arrangements allowed retired officers and their families to use sports
AN exhibition featuring national artists and inspired by Britain in the summertime is to open later this month. The display will take place at the Scissors Paper Stone gallery at Hutton Henry. It will feature prints of the fairground and days out at the
IT has been a week for the bulldog spirit, apart from the footballers, of course. Euro 2004 has crept up on us, ensuring that football never goes away, and the team with a captain boasting a new tattoo can't even beat Japan. He says they were tired, poor
OUTRAGED residents have failed to stop a shop in the Mowden area of Darlington being turned into a youth and community centre. Elm Ridge Methodist Church has been given 18 months to see if its pilot scheme in a former newsagent's shop in Fulthorpe Avenue
SMOKE from a quarry fire caused evacuation fears at a Darlington supermarket this week. On Sunday, firefighters from the Darlington station were called out to Barmpton Quarry, owned by W and M Thompson (Earthworks), at about 8.25pm after receiving reports
SECONDARY schools in the North-East are desperate for teachers, according to an education recruitment agency. Protocol Teachers said there was a growing number of unfilled vacancies at secondary schools in the region. It has issued an appeal to try to
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN. Publisher: Electronic Arts. Format: PS2. Price: £34.99: AS sure as night follows day, a game follows the release of a new Harry Potter movie. The first two Potter games were surprisingly good but can the third
The Preliminary Round of The St. John of God 5's & 3's 5-a-Side Knockout Played on Monday, 7th June 2004. Four teams played down to one winner at Club or Pub first named, 91 holes. Results to A. Stainsby on 01325 256584 no later than Tuesday. To be
POLE-climbing and bench-building will both feature in the forestry area at this year's Great Yorkshire Show on Tuesday, July 13 - and this time visitors will also be able to have a go. In addition to the Great British Pole Climbing Championships where
The Angel of the North stands above the 16th tee of Ravensworth Golf Course, but even that guardian was not enough to prevent the Woodham Men's Scratch Team, sponsored this year by Turners of Sedgefield Ltd, from posting an impressive 8-6 victory in their
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN. Publisher: Electronic Arts. Format: PS2. Price: £34.99: AS sure as night follows day, a game follows the release of a new Harry Potter movie. The first two Potter games were surprisingly good but can the third
RAIL passengers can cross the Pennines on Saturdays this summer with the introduction of a train service. The Arriva Trains Northern service provides the first direct train linking the Roman cities of York and Carlisle. Running over the famous Settle-Carlisle
Willington will meet Evenwood in the final of the Bob Pendlebury Cup. Langley Park made a useful 122 for two but still went down by eight wickets to Willington for whom Chris moor contributed 72 in two sixes and six boundaries. When they batted first,
THE family of 14-year-old Josh Rainford-Blackett from Gilling West are celebrating his success at the British Riding Clubs national hunter trials held at Peterborough. He and his young horse Moonshine Magic were placed individual ninth out of nearly 100
PLAWSWORTH, Kimblesworth and Nettlesworth huddle together alongside the main road between Chester-le-Street and Durham. Two of the villages, Nettlesworth and Kimblesworth, virtually merge into one, but Plawsworth, the most easterly of the three, is separated
A documentary charting a rock n roll icon's emotional return to the region will be shown next week. Jerry Lee Lewis wowed a North-East audience when he performed at Newcastle City Hall in February - 42 years after he set Tyneside alight from the same
A MAN accused of setting fire to his bedroom while his girlfriend was inside after a six-hour alcohol binge has been cleared of all charges at a trial. However, reformed alcoholic Anthony Moroney, 40, was told by Judge John Walford: "There are several
The runs flowed for Crook Town when they met Tudhoe with Mark Bowey in particular in scintillating form, writes Malcolm Pratt. Bowey ended unbeaten with a magnificent 91 as Crook realised 143 for two before restricting Tudhoe to just 50 for six. Chris
EFFICIENT sheep producers had a positive future in the new world after mid-term CAP reform, said Ian Grant, a former president of NFU Scotland, at Scotsheep 2004 last Friday. Mr Grant is also chairman and first commissioner with Crown Commissioners, the
Darlington travelled to last year's North Yorkshire Under 11 league champions, Norton on Saturday and claimed a great victory by 93 runs. Norton batted first and faced a strong Darlington bowling attack who put in their best all round bowling performance
FOR the past couple of years or so, I have patiently borne the burden of tolerating caravans and camper vans in our country lanes. It is on the same level as tolerating smokers in restaurants and theatres, and those who loudly use mobile telephones on
Four golfers have qualified for places in an Audi quattro Cup UK Regional Final golf tournament - a prestigious worldwide event for amateur golfers. Colin Healy, from Ryhope, Sunderland, Hutton Henry's John Anderson, Philip Hall, from Barnes, Sunderland
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN. Publisher: Electronic Arts. Format: PS2. Price: £34.99 AS sure as night follows day, a game follows the release of a new Harry Potter movie. The first two Potter games were surprisingly good but can the third
Shildon striker Garry Barnes rounded off a superb season by lifting the Northern League player of the year award at its annual dinner last Friday. Barnes scored a phenomenal 53 goals in 52 games last season as he helped Shildon to the first round of the
CRAVEN (Skipton). - Wed of last week. Fwd; 41 bulls, 25 females for spring show & sale of pedigree beef breeding cattle. Judges: Martin Brown, Beechwood Farm, Newton-le-Willows, Bedale; Anne Hirst, Rombalds Limousins, Goose Farm, Sutton-on-the-Forest
A BRICKLAYER who had been drinking was run over twice after apparently lying down to sleep in the middle of an unlit road, an inquest has heard. Kevin Jamison lay down on the unlit B1269 near Dunsdale, east Cleveland, with his shoes removed and left neatly
A PATIENT of a Northallerton dentist has called for Government action to sort out confusion over NHS dental services. His dentist - Nabeel Muhairez - has decided to treat most of his patients privately as from November. The patient, Christopher Purser
Dennis Cowey was just a bit bairn when his father took him to his first Football League match - Sunderland 5 Manchester United 2, old first division, March 4 1939. Sunderland manager John Cocharne had resigned that morning, Whitburn lad and future Hartlepools
PR guru Max Clifford will be the guest of honour at a business event next month. The Big Business event, on July 5 and 6, will provide new and established businesses with in-depth advice from prominent UK business leaders. A number of speakers, guests
FANS can see former Jam star Paul Weller play at a concert in Newcastle City Hall on Friday, November 12. Tickets are £28.50, available on 0191-261 2606. Published: 04/06/2004
Depending on which side of the world they live on, most young cricketers dream of opening the bowling at either Lord's or Melbourne's MCG. Casey Shogren - the winner of The Northern Echo Cricketer Of The Month Award for April/May - still thinks about
IT has been a week for the bulldog spirit, apart from the footballers, of course. Euro 2004 has crept up on us, ensuring that football never goes away, and the team with a captain boasting a new tattoo can't even beat Japan. He says they were tired, poor
Byers Green: Byers Green Bees Under-10s won the Beamish and East Stanley Mini Soccer Tournament on May 16 by beating South Tyneside in the final. After going seven games in the competition unbeaten and conceding only one goal along the way it was well
MISSED out on the sunshine we've had this year? Or are you playing it safe and sticking to the shade? Whatever the reason for your lack of tan, you don't have to look deathly white. It's never been easier to look bronzed and beautiful - even if you've
Eric Dove was a Royal Navy Commmando on Juno Beach on D-Day. Chris Webber spoke to him. SURVEYING the awesome scene of epic military might on D-Day, Eric Dove's thoughts turned to a moment two years earlier and an altogether more humdrum British "war
FIFTY-SEVEN competitors turned out to run the first of the White Horse Handicaps at Harrowgate Hill on May 6. First home was Stephen Minns from Shildon completing the course in an excellent time of 41:22. He was closely followed by Samantha Kee of the
WALES captain Colin Charvis has consigned his nightmare 12 months to the history books after signing a two-year deal with Newcastle Falcons. The 31-year-old back row man will become the first Welsh international to play for the Falcons when he makes his
JIMMY Shuttlewood daren't miss going to church. At least that's his way of saying he needs all the help he can get to manage a fragile corner of ecology better known as a grouse moor. As gamekeeper at the Snilesworth estate above Osmotherley, he can't
While it is the most common genetic condition in Europe, affecting an estimated one million people in the UK alone, few people have even heard of coeliac disease. Sarah Foster meets a rare diagnosed sufferer. VERONICA Woodhouse was at a low ebb. The stress
STAFF and students at Guisborough's Prior Pursglove College are praying for blue skies on Tuesday so that they can witness an extremely rare celestial event. The planet Venus is due to drift across the face of the sun and Earth between 6am and 12.30 and
AN URGENT appeal has gone out for more cash towards the rebuilding and refurbishment of Hutton Rudby Village Hall. The project is £50,000 short of its target, despite fundraising efforts. Organisers must sign the contract within the coming week and are
MORE of the region's beaches have been declared the best in Britain. Seven beaches in Tyne and Wear and three in North Yorkshire have won the European Blue Flag. The award is given for having spotless, litter-free sands, the cleanest possible water and
NO attempt to tell the story of D-Day and the battle for Normandy is complete without mention of the denouement: the Battle of Falaise. As we told on previous days, the Allies had landed on the beaches on D-Day at the beginning of June. They had pushed
REGIONAL development agency One NorthEast is looking for a new director of delivery after John Litherland resigned from the post. The 52-year-old has returned to his former role as executive director of the Northumberland Strategic Partnership. The move
FORMER pop star and Government-backed music guru Feargal Sharkey has hailed a North-East music forum a success. Mr Sharkey, a former singer in the Undertones and current chairman of the Government's Live Music Forum, attended a three-day convention in
SCOTSMAN Douglas Reid is preparing for a long summer, after his football-mad wife transformed their home into a shrine to England. Fanatical England supporter Julie Reid has painted a huge cross of St George on the front of the house, in Pelaw Place,
CIU League: Crook Belle Vue moved into a commanding five points lead at the top of the darts section after they whitewashed the visiting Crowtrees. Cockton Hill are in second spot with a game extra played and they lead Newfield by three points, who have
County Super League: Crook Town A got off the foot of the table with a good away win over Newton Aycliffe, who slipped into the wooden spoon position. The Crook side opened out in style with wins from Steve Liddle, Jim Ainsley, Neil Campbell and Doug
Murton were bowled out for just 57 which included 31 by Daniel McNamee when they met Hylton in the U15 division. Runs were more plentiful when Hylton batted first and ended with 147 for six on the board. Phil Coomber top scored with 43, Keith Northway
Controversy is brewing over where the new Telford should be placed in the pyramid - and it could mean a long trip for the region's five UniBond Premier Division clubs in the new season. Telford announced last week that they were resigning from the Conference
Two players made half-centuries when Lanchester entertained Greenside and won a high scoring game by eight wickets, writes Malcolm Pratt. Glen Scott was the first to pass 50 and ended on 55 out of a Greenside total of 123 for four while Lanchester's Ben
AN USUAL fundraising effort became a family affair at a barracks. As Colin Northridge and his daughter Beverley slogged their way through a sponsored rollerblade session, wife and mum June joined in to lend moral support. Together, the Thirsk family clocked
AN INNOVATIVE tracking system, developed by a Darlington company to help protect valuable musical instruments, is hitting the right note with the music industry. MusitraC, developed by Cleveland Studios, is being piloted in music stores across the country
THE first ballot packs returned by thousands of voters across the North-East were opened prior to counting in European and local elections yesterday. Trained staff are beginning to sort through the first of three batches of ballot packs returned in the
UNIVERSITY staff say they are facing job cuts because bosses are spending too much on building projects. Lecturers at Northumbria University took strike action yesterday and about 300 people staged a rally in Newcastle city centre in protest at 58 proposed
NORTH Yorkshire chief constable Della Cannings was dressed to the nines in ceremonial uniform for the Queen's visit to Ripon. Wearing the last-generation uniform as ceremonial dress rather than the modern national, more casual uniform, the police chief
A SENIOR North-East journalist has fallen to his death from a bridge. The body of Roger Woodcock was found near the Sea nightclub, under the High Level Bridge, in Newcastle, at 5.20am on Wednesday. Mr Woodcock, who was in his late fifties, was the long-serving
A DOG that was badly injured when it was caught on an electric fence is looking for a new home. Whippet-cross Tilly suffered injuries to her ear and stomach when she was trapped on the fence just over a month ago. Since then the four-year-old has been
STRUGGLING parish councils have been warned to consider all possibilities before opting for a merger. Newbiggin-in-Teesdale Parish Council is hoping to join with Middleton-in-Teesdale after finding it difficult to recruit councillors and a clerk. But
A DOG that was badly injured when it was caught on an electric fence is looking for a new home. Whippet-cross Tilly suffered injuries to her ear and stomach when she was trapped on the fence just over a month ago. Since then she has been cared for by
A LOCAL heroes photographic competition has been launched in Scarborough. The competition is part of a project to name the borough's greatest hero and asks amateur photographers to submit a portrait summing up the idea of a local hero. The deadline for
VILLAGERS are hoping that a vintage and classic car rally could give them a cash boost as they strive to raise money for new church facilities. People in Kirk Merrington, near Spennymoor, are hoping the event at Bowbank Farm between Ferryhill and Kirk
FANS can see former Jam star Paul Weller play at a concert in Newcastle City Hall on Friday, November 12. Tickets are £28.50, available on 0191-261 2606.
MORE of the region's beaches have been declared the best in Britain. Seven beaches in Tyne and Wear and three in North Yorkshire have won the European Blue Flag. The award is given for having spotless, litter-free sands, the cleanest possible water and
A TOTAL of £8.4m Government money has been allocated to an NHS trust to improve mental health and disability services. The funding has been awarded to the Tees and North-East Yorkshire NHS Trust for its modernisation programme, codenamed Advance. Money
Durham Under 11s played their first competitive fixture of the season on Bank Holiday Monday at Woodall Spa in Lincolnshire and ran out winners by ten wickets. Darlington's Jack Vickerman won the toss and inserted the home side who started steadily until
A VILLAGE church is being declared redundant after two public meetings failed to save it. St Mary's Church, at Marton-le-Moor, near Boroughbridge, will close permanently unless an eleventh hour objection is upheld by the Church Commissioners in London
MISSED out on the sunshine we've had this year? Or are you playing it safe and sticking to the shade? Whatever the reason for your lack of tan, you don't have to look deathly white. It's never been easier to look bronzed and beautiful - even if you've
MARKS & Spencer pledged to focus on its trading revival last night after rejecting a £9bn takeover proposal from Philip Green. M&S said the cash-plus-shares deal significantly undervalued the group, saying that a review was already underway to
A WOMAN who suffers from chronic pain and fatigue has spoken about her illness to encourage others with fibromyalgia to seek support. There are days when 60-year-old Diane Leak, from Darlington, struggles to get out of bed because of the pain. Sufferers
HEALTH chiefs in east Durham have launched a leaflet to promote their scheme for pharmacists to treat people with minor illnesses. The Easington Primary Care Trust, which is responsible for health services, including doctors' surgeries, is hoping that
Graham Taylor's first book was an international bestseller and his second is published this week. The Shadowmancer author talks to Christen Pears about his success and why it hasn't changed him. GRAHAM Taylor is waiting for Madonna to complain. The villain
FLOWER power will arrive on Teesside at the weekend. People are invited to join Young Rangers plant scarce and unusual wildflowers in a wetland conservation meadow at Middlesbrough's Stewart Park, tomorrow. The Globeflower and the pink Ragged Robin will
A COUNCILLOR says his bid to save a popular gardening show axed by its organisers is advancing. Durham City Council cancelled the city's autumn horticultural show, also known as the garden produce show, in its 30th anniversary year. The Liberal Democrat-controlled
A TOTAL of £8.4m Government money has been awarded to an NHS trust to improve mental health and disability services. The money has been given to the Tees and North-East Yorkshire NHS Trust for its modernisation programme, codenamed Advance. Money will
GOLFERS are being urged to tee-off in an open competition to boost a civic charity next month. The Mayor of Durham, Councillor Mary Hawgood, hopes her chosen charity, St Cuthbert's Hospice in the city, will receive a big shot-in-the-arm from the charity
APPROVAL has been given for a 218- home estate to be built at Norton-on-Derwent. Developers Redrow Homes are to invest a total of £500,000 in the town as a commuted sum for the permission, which is to be spent on providing a pumping station to combat
Thousands of pounds raised by fans to help the cash-strapped Quakers may still be used to buy shares in the club, it was revealed last night. A crisis fund to ensure Darlington FC stayed open after it went into voluntary liquidation was launched by the
TWO shop assistants were left badly shaken after they were threatened by a man with a knife. The incident happened at about 12.45pm on Tuesday, when the two employees carrying the weekend shop takings, were walking along Ormesby High Street towards Ormesby
THE Government may rethink plans for a fuel tax rise of up to 2p a litre after hopes of an early cut in oil prices were dashed. Chancellor Gordon Brown is to "review progress" in August before deciding whether to impose September's duty increase which
Sir, - The circular issued by Osmotherley Parish Council this January to gauge the opinion of unspecified village residents to a proposed second bus-shelter in the village was flawed in at least four ways, but when I pointed this out to the clerk to the
Week five started with Oak Lodge keeping up their unbeaten record by winning away at Marne CC. Oak Lodge won with two members in their top eight scoring only 16s. Top shot for the night were John Garside and Tony Masters with 23s. The final score ended
Bedale Juniors Under 11s team will certainly have plenty to celebrate at their end-of-season presentations having won their league by 12 clear points, finishing runners up in the Peter Cole Cup, and winning the George Fawcett Cup (both in the Richmond
There was a double programme at the weekend and Kirby Sigston retained pole position winning both matches, writes Malcolm Pratt. In Saturday's programme they defeated Kildale by ten wickets after restricting the visitors to 110 for six including 32 by
IT was with some trepidation that we decided to give a second Sunday chance to what is regarded as the premier hotel in the county town of North Yorkshire, but 12 months can make a big difference. Our first Sabbath visit in 2003 to the Golden Lion at
David Watson of Shildon Amateur Boxing Club won his junior ABA final at Huddersfield on Saturday, May 30 after gaining a unanimous points decision over his opponent. David, who has just reached 16 years of age, was fighting in the 57 kilos division and
A PERMANENT memorial to people killed in road accidents in North Yorkshire could be erected at a cathedral. The move has been suggested as the county council tries to address the sensitive question of roadside shrines created by grieving relatives and
A century by Essex captain, Ronnie Irani, his first in the Championship for two years, helped restrict Yorkshire to a first innings lead of four at Chelmsford. They then sped to 40 for one in 6.1 overs before bad light ended play. Yorkshire cannot feel
Firefighters had to cut free the driver of a coach involved in a collision with a petrol tanker on the A66 trans-Pennine route. The coach was one of three carrying over 100 children from Scotland caught up in the accident which happened near the Fox Hall
CEASAR the police dog went into reverse to pin down a car thief. Usually sniffer dogs find suspects after a crime, but clever Ceaser led officers to a stolen car after they arrested a suspect. PC Tony Drummond and his dog, Ceasar, sprang into action when
The Durhams D-Day Diary, Sgt Charles Eagles, 9th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. Part 5: Death of the colonel. WHEN I dropped Lieutenant Jack Williams at the medic's feet, he managed to say to me: "I'm okay laddie. Get yourself back." Then he passed
TRAIN operator GNER has added 70 cycle spaces for passengers at a North-East station as part of its modernisation programme. Darlington station will now offer 98 free lock-up cycle spaces, on platform 4, for people taking the train who want to leave their
FORMER Tory leader William Hague made his feeling about the postal vote clear yesterday, but urged everyone to make their vote count. He mailed his Euro voting form in his Richmond, North Yorkshire, constituency and encouraged others to make sure they
If anyone was unaware of the perilous state of the nation's health, then they can be in no doubt following the recent "obesity" blitz. I've written in the past about the need for plain speak in order to get this message across - that's why I prefer to
PLAWSWORTH, Kimblesworth and Nettlesworth huddle together alongside the main road between Chester-le-Street and Durham. Two of the villages, Nettlesworth and Kimblesworth, virtually merge into one, but Plawsworth, the most easterly of the three, is separated
YOUNGSTERS on Teesside are making a film which they hope may be shown on television. Members of the Coyote Youth Theatre, in Grangetown, have already had a 50-minute trailer for their film Sub-Zero screened at Redcar Cinema. Thirty-two youngsters are
PROTESTORS cheered last night as councillors made a U-turn over plans for a wind farm near their homes. The controversial siting of two 107-metre masts at Stanley Moss, County Durham, looked set to be given the go-ahead following recommendations by council
Crook Queen's Head A lost their top spot in the First Division when they went down by the odd point at Crook Olde Horse Shoe. The Shoe had singles points from Jimmy Luke, Don Dixon, Ian Armstrong and Nigel Scott, whilst the Queen's had wins from John
Having won three out of their last four games Chester were favourites to win this tie on Saturday and did not disappoint at Ropery Lane. Jonathon Taylor top scoring again with 32 not out. An excellent team performance saw the Cestrians win by 147 runs
FAVOURITE backers are in for a bonanza if, as expected, the 15-8 market leader, Punctilious, prevails in this afternoon's Vodafone Oaks at Epsom. The Group 1 Fillies Classic, worth £350,000, has attracted a paltry line-up of just seven runners, the smallest
PROMOTED Whickham Glebe have found it tough going in the First Division as their result showed against Nine Pins at Swalwell. The Glebe were indebted to an unbeaten 28 from Andrew Robinson as they reached only 78-9 with Mal Mulany and Shouvic Bannergee
Thorpe Charity Cup: This year the Captain, Tony Howard, has nominated the Yorkshire Air Ambulance as his charity and they benefit by £196 after this event. Played in excellent conditions with the best gross a 73 being returned by Michael Henson against
ONE NORTHEAST was criticised last night for providing financial backing to a Newcastle United-themed garden at this year's Chelsea Flower Show. The regional development agency was accused of "breathtaking lunacy" for contributing £5,000 to the floral
A COUNCIL has defended its dog warden against allegations that he frightened a woman who allowed her pet to foul a public area in Richmond. Norma Clark, of the town's Mill Croft, claimed Richmondshire District Council's dog warden rushed towards her,
FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - A most interesting speech was delivered by Mr H Walker to collective guests from the Ripon Police Courts at a dinner on Monday. He gave a most informative account of an event in which it transpired that a man had been
Worthington CIU Summer League: Willington produced the win of the week when they beat the visiting Wheatley Hill A and the two now share the second spot in the First Division, two points behind the leading Fishburn A and two ahead of Sherburn Village.
Sacriston enjoyed a nine wickets victory when they hosted Annfield Plain who they reduced to just 71 all out, writes Malcolm Pratt. Leathley top scored with 36 for the visitors, while for Sacriston, Philip Laws claimed three wickets for just nine runs
Sir, - It is with great sadness and anger that I now see along with other country people the rape of Bilsdale, where I was reared and my family farmed for many years. Forty-six hectares of trees have disfigured the pleasant fields between Chopgate and
Middleton St George still boast a 100 per cent record in Division A following their 49 runs victory at Ingleton, writes Malcolm Pratt. Batting first Middleton ended with 151 for five on top which included an unbeaten 50 by Bainbridge who batted throughout
FAVOURITE backers are in for a bonanza if, as expected, the 15-8 market leader, Punctilious, prevails in this afternoon's Vodafone Oaks at Epsom. The Group 1 Fillies Classic, worth £350,000, has attracted a paltry line-up of just seven runners, the smallest
SOME of the 10,000 voters who have posted back their Euro election ballot papers to Hambleton District Council, may have them returned.. For not only have some not followed the precise instructions but others have included bus pass renewals and even housing
IT is a side of David Dimbleby that viewers of Question Time don't normally see. The veteran broadcaster does an uncannily accurate impersonation of Tony Benn, jokes about reality television, hums loudly to himself and laughs as his hair is titivated
THE controversy about the planting of a large chunk of broadleaved woodland in Bilsdale goes to the very heart of the debate about what national parks are for. There can be no question that the planting scheme - 46 hectares - is large and will alter the
THOUSANDS of passengers faced delays after an air traffic control computer glitch brought chaos to UK airports yesterday. The fault on the 30-year-old National Air Traffic Services (Nats) system at 6am meant scores of flights were cancelled and others
If anyone was unaware of the perilous state of the nation's health, then they can be in no doubt following the recent "obesity" blitz. I've written in the past about the need for plain speak in order to get this message across - that's why I prefer to
Durham Coast League U15: Seaham Park posted the highest score of the night when they reached 124 for three at home to Peterlee, writes Malcolm Pratt. Darren Sutherland was in excellent form and he made more than half his team's total contributing 65 while
A NORTH-EAST war veteran has been awarded France's highest decoration in recognition of his contribution to the liberation of Europe 60 years ago. Thomas Robson, of Hanover Gardens, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, said he was stunned to learn he was to
MATT Blyton, from Constable Burton in Wensleydale, will be part of a team representing Great Britain at the European petanque championships in Gothenburg at the end of this month. The school governors at West Burton School, near Leyburn, where he is the
HEXHAM Horse Trials take place this weekend with 500 competitors in action over a course built in undulating countryside around the site of the Battle of Hexham in 1464. Top international riders Lucinda Green, Ian Stark and Ruth Friend will compete alongside
by Robin Twizell RMD Agriculture OLD crop wheat has continued to fall, but has found a little interest from the export market. The problem will be that, if we recover too much, we will price ourselves out of the market again. New crop values have also
THERE is no finer trainer of fillies than Tim Easterby - except maybe his father before him - and the Great Habton handler landed the Hilary Needler at Beverley on Wednesday evening for the fourth time since 1998, but not with the expected filly. The
Map Elton's Mal Bailey notched up a sensational double at the Woodland Lakes Carlton Miniott scooping both the Wednesday and Saturday matches with some phenomenal carp sport. Malcolm is fast making a name for himself on the carp circuit and now known
PARENTS have accused primary school governors of over-reacting after they banned the photographing and filming of school plays. Stokesley Primary School sent out consent forms to all parents asking if they were happy for other parents to take pictures
Defence and aerospace group BAE Systems last night launched a multi-million takeover battle for tank maker Alvis. BAE, which already owns a 29 per cent stake in Alvis, said it had agreed the terms of a £335m deal to buy the company. The announcement puts
Wolsingham Club established themselves as the early leaders in the qualifying league when they completely out-played Crook Golden Fleece in a re-arranged match. The Club batted first and went through to 110 all out in their twenty overs with White making
A POPULAR Teesdale couple who were lucky to survive a hot air balloon crash while on holiday in China have arrived back in the UK. David and Hazel Yeadon, who live at Boldron, near Barnard Castle, were injured only two days into their three-week trip
GAS company Centrica yesterday announced plans to shed 850 office jobs. But the company said the North-East would escape the cuts, with the brunt being borne by British Gas staff in London. Centrica said engineers and other employees who deal directly
Durham & District League: Wingate kept up the pressure as they strive to land the League Championship for the first time in their history. They visited Ever Ready/Craghead and only dropped two points as they won by 80 shots to 62. The rink scores
Hinderwell are still unbeaten and lead Division One after their victory over Boosbeck, writes Malcolm Pratt. The visiting batsmen fund run-making difficult against the bowling of Mark Swain who returned the magnificent figures of eight for 17 in 13 overs
EIGHT youngsters from Stockton schools enjoyed star treatment as a reward for achieving 100pc attendance at school. They were picked up by a stretch limo at Oxbridge Primary School on Thursday of last week and driven home in style. The reward for achieving
The elderly daughter of a North-East pilot killed in a plane crash more than half a century ago has always cherished the thought that one day she would be reunited with her father. As the years have passed her by, the 72-year-old now fears that her final
Thomas Raine was in splendid form leading Philadelphia to a match winning 136 for two in their game with Boldon at Bunker Hill. The talented youngster hit three sixes and 12 boundaries carrying his bat for 93 before Boldon were reduced to 50 for five
BARNSLEY boss Paul Hart last night welcomed the imminent arrival of Darlington striker Barry Conlon. The 25-year-old will join the Tykes at the end of the month when his current deal with Quakers expires. Conlon has agreed a two-year deal with the Second
WORK is under way on a base for one of the country's leading cycle clothing and accessory distributors. A £1.4m warehouse and office facility is being built at the Thirsk Industrial Park for Zyro, which is based in Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire. The
Coors League: The new season will open on Monday 28 June with eleven teams already entered. They are Esh Winning Stag's Head, Cornsay Royal Oak, Hamsteels Inn, Billy Row Club, Newhouse Club, Tow Law New Market A and B, Tow Law North Point, Sunniside Comedian
IT seems a rarity that we get sufficient sunshine in our English gardens to simply lie back and enjoy the summer warmth. The body needs a good recharge of light and heat every now and again. Why else do we go away on annual holidays and block book sessions
THE Government may rethink plans for a fuel tax rise of up to 2p a litre after hopes of an early cut in oil prices were dashed. Chancellor Gordon Brown is to ''review progress'' in August before deciding whether to impose September's duty increase which
Dawson played two ties on successive nights and was successful in both games, writes Malcolm Pratt. In a preliminary round match, they defeated Peterlee by ten wickets when Michael Appleby took four for seven in four overs restricting the visitors to
AS the latest cricket Test got under way in one part of the North yesterday, a piece of the sport's history was being marked in another. The man who gave his name to what is arguably the most famous cricket ground in the country, Lord's, was born in Thirsk
BUILDING work starts today to transform wasteland in South Shields into a £6m industrial hub. Three units will be built in two phases over a two-year period within the boundaries of Tyne Dock estate, which enjoys good transport links. Keith Wilson, managing
VOLUNTEERS who run a rural open air swimming pool that almost closed six years ago have been given an award. The group, which runs Weardale Open Air Swimming Pool, will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace this summer to collect their Queen's Award
GARY Speed has tipped Newcastle team-mate Kieron Dyer to make a major impression at Euro 2004. Dyer was given the number 20 shirt in the final 23-man squad Sven-Goran Eriksson submitted to UEFA this week. And, while he will not start England's opening
Chris Webber finds out about the incredible effort of North-East industrial workers in the build up to D-Day. WHILE the men fought for freedom with guns and bullets the women back home were using hammer, nail and flame. In the months and years leading
Another Darlington Mowden Park player is on the first rung of the ladder to being selected to play rugby for England. Seventeen year old Ashleigh Wright has just heard that she has been selected for the U18 RFUW England Performance Camp at Loughborough
A PENSIONER has won a big National Lottery prize after buying a ticket from the shop of one of her 28 grandchildren. Margaret Whittingham, 71, a mother-of-ten from Hartlepool, won the £117,324 winning ticket along with her 45-year-old son, Paul. The mother
Defence and aerospace group BAE Systems last night launched a multi-million takeover battle for tank maker Alvis. BAE, which already owns a 29 per cent stake in Alvis, said it had agreed the terms of a £335m deal to buy the company. The announcement puts
MIDDLESBROUGH have drawn up a back-up plan if bids to sign their top targets fail to materialise. Boro are confident they can prise Ayegbeni Yakubu from Portsmouth, while they are ready to start talks with Leeds United striker Mark Viduka next week. After
LEEMING rally driver Kevin Procter and co-driver Mike Gilby, from Northallerton, notched up an impressive fifth place overall in the Rally Barbados last weekend. The pair overcame changeable weather conditions and the cancellation of eight stages in their
TO coin a perverse phrase, big things lead to small ones. Spectator was intrigued to learn that one of those splendid new double-decker buses recently introduced by Harrogate and District on a local route is soon to be modelled by Corgi, who began with
THOUSANDS of women in deprived parts of the region are at a greater risk of dying from breast cancer because they do not take up vital screening appointments, research shows today. Women from the poorer parts of the region are more likely to be suffering
Chungdokwan Taekwondo attracted over 400 competitors to a National Event held at Ferryhill Leisure Centre last weekend. The ages ranged from 7 to 84 years. Students from all over the UK and Ireland attended. The events included individual and Team Poomse
JOE DOCHERTY, the chief executive of Tees Valley Regeneration, has firmly denied reports that he has been selected to fight for a seat in Parliament at the next General Election. Rumours have circulated the region that the urban regeneration company chief
I find it really interesting reading 'Local Heroes' every week and seeing the diverse range of sports which people participate in and how many local people are travelling the world to take part in various tournaments. One good example is Thai boxer Craig
LONG Newton residents will once again have their own post office after managing without one for 18 months. The former village post office in Grasscroft closed when the sub-postmaster resigned. Since then, villagers have worked together with the Post Office
HUNDREDS of volunteers were given their chance to shine at a fun day yesterday. The Volunteers In Action day was held at Parkside School and Community Association, in Willington, to coincide with National Volunteers Week. Wear Valley District Council
FIRST-TIME entrant Neil Marsden showed the champion at the 19th Eastgate sheep show. Mr Marsden travelled from Halthwistle in Northumberland to take part in the weekend show and, after winning the Mule classes, he went on to show the overall champion
LANDMARK buildings and ageing eyesores in one of the North-East's best-known city centres are to be enhanced as part of a 20-year masterplan. Specialists have been employed to identify areas of Durham ripe for restoration to bring the cathedral and castle
VILLAGERS have complained to the local government watchdog after missing out on valuable services for pre-school children. People living in Gainford say they were unfairly treated after being excluded from the Teesdale SureStart scheme. The catchment
ABOUT 140 people braved the rain yesterday for an historic open-air service attended by the Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope. The service of thanksgiving was held in the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, near Helmsley. It was organised by nuns from the Order
PEOPLE wanting to take part in an annual festival of walking and cycling are being urged to submit their entries. The third annual Guisborough Festival of Walking and Cycling on Saturday and Sunday, June 19 and 20, has more walks and rides on offer than
TEES Valley's very first balti curry restaurant has been so successful it has had to change its name. The Balti House, in Yarm High Street, has been renamed the Raj Bari after a £130,000 refurbishment. It was officially re-opened by Stockton's Mayor Jenny
A VILLAGE church could be in line for a windfall after an ancient pendant was declared treasure trove. Experts from the British Museum have compared the significance of the seventh century pendant, found in the grounds of St Peter and St Paul's Church
PLANNING approval for Darlington College of Technology's new £33m complex on a former British Rail goods yard may have to wait for a wildlife report. Wednesday's council planning committee heard that English Nature had confirmed there were no bats on
WIDE-ranging plans to overhaul the parking system in five market towns goes before councillors next week. Officers at Hambleton District Council have come up with a car parking strategy aimed at encouraging development and growth in town centres. Its
SEWERAGE technician Philip Allison is going back to school to teach children how to cycle safely. Osmotherley Primary School approached Mr Allison to see of he could spare any time to help with their cycling awareness programme. And his bosses at Yorkshire
THE team controlling North Yorkshire County Council's purse strings is celebrating after achieving Investors in People accreditation. Led by John Moore, director of financial services, the team has won the award by demonstrating its commitment to enabling
IF reference books are a snare for the unwary, leading them along byways of knowledge far from their intended destination, the internet is an absolute elephant trap. It's so handy, when checking a name, answering a query or verifying a fact, to click
WITH terrorists threatening to throw the international oil market into chaos and undermine efforts to restore security in the Middle East, it seems somewhat small-minded to quibble over 2p on the cost of a litre of petrol. To bring parts of our road network
Slazenger Harrogate and District Tennis League: Harlow, bidding to regain the title they held two years ago, have dislodged Thirsk from their brief stay at the top of Division One in the Slazenger Harrogate and District Tennis League. In a key top-of-the-table
A 93-year-old woman has been forced to pay for her own stairlift after a council told her it did not have the funds to provide one. Phyllis Wilson, from Cockerton, was assessed by Darlington Borough Council's social services team in March and was told
A PROGRAMME aimed at tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in Darlington has been such a success it will feature in a national conference. Members of Darlington's Community Safety Partnership will address a national conference in Cardiff today. The
STAFF at a Darlington cafe will be switching their coffee mugs for running shoes again this year, to raise money for a hospice. Customers at Cafe Gulp, in Priestgate, are also being encourage to join them in taking part in the Darlington 10km Road Run
RESIDENTS are celebrating after an announcement that a post office will reopen in their village. Pensioners felt they were in limbo following the resignation of Long Newton's sub-postmaster which coincided with the loss of the village bus service, 18
A guide book will help police officers to break the ice with groups of young people on their beat. Teenagers have helped to produce the resource pack, called Give Us A Chance, which contains advice to enable the police to engage with the younger generation
A GROUP of Northern artists staged an inspiring exhibition at Tennants' Auction Centre in Leyburn to raise funds for Dales-Care. At the preview, Rodney Tennant helped to increase the amount considerably when he took charge of the auction of promises.
HUNDREDS of North-East dance music fans will congregate for an outdoor festival this weekend. Lovebox on a Summer's Day will take place at Gosforth Park racecourse, in Newcastle, from noon to 10.30pm tomorrow. The event is held every year in London and
Brandon romped to 140 for six and then dismissed Crook Town for 29, writes Malcolm Pratt. Jamie Robinson, who has appeared in the Brandon first team this season, was in good form with the bat and he found the boundary line nine times making a top scoring
MOORLAND farmers, concerned by a growing number of raids of livestock and equipment on their farms, are working with police to set up a farm and countryside watch group. Thousands of pounds worth of animals, tractors, quad bikes and horse tackle has been
THE first ballot packs returned by thousands of voters across the North-East were opened prior to counting in European and local elections yesterday. Trained staff are beginning to sort through the first of three batches of ballot packs returned in the
Shildon's junior athletes were in action at the North of England T & F Champs at Wigan over the bank holiday weekend, and came away with a number of excellent displays. An outstanding performance was given by 14 year-old Khalil Thompson in the Under
A ROAD was closed for more than five hours yesterday after a car crash that claimed the life of a middle-aged man. The accident, on the B1257 between Amotherby and Swinton, in North Yorkshire, was the third serious crash in the Malton area in four days
Sir, - I see the issue of motorcycling in Bilsdale has raised its head again. I should declare an interest. I am a 55-year old "born again" biker. I live in the area and potter about on an old BMW tourer. I have no desire to race from Helmsley to Stokesley
PLANS to build 122 homes in Ingleby Barwick have been deferred after councillors expressed concern it would lead to too many properties being built in the area. Persimmon Homes applied to Stockton Borough Council for permission to build 24 four-storey
Newton Aycliffe: Newton Aycliffe Athletic Club athletes were out in force at various venues over the last week. The Northern Junior men's championships at Wigan. Lewis Moses produced a personal best time of 4mins 6.1secs in the under 20 men's final to
A CHARITY has pledged to carry on supporting a council that has not ordered the destruction of a single stray dog in the past 15 months. Executive members of the Dogs Trust, formerly the National Canine Defence League, were told how funding could continue
A FAMILY bakery firm last night put up a substantial reward after learning that arson is suspected as the likely cause of a fire which gutted its factory. Peter's Cathedral Bakers is offering £10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction
HUNDREDS of North-East dance music fans will congregate for an outdoor festival this weekend. Lovebox on a Summer's Day will take place at Gosforth Park racecourse, in Newcastle, from noon to 10.30pm tomorrow. The event is held every year in London and
Castle Eden Under 13s and Under 15s both put up brave fights in the weekend's cup matches but they were not enough to take them into the next round of the Fred Foster Cup or the Alf Armes Cup. Under 13s played Silksworth away. Castle Eden batted first
GUISBOROUGH Maternity Unit will re-open at the end of this month - and expectant mothers have been urged to use it. The unit, where about 130 babies are born each year, closed in November while hospital bosses attempted to fill 15 full-time vacancies
AS the butt of Del Boy's gags for more than 20 years, actor John Challis is more than used to being upstaged. So when one uncultured theatregoer let out a series of shattering burps during his performance, the former Only Fools and Horses star soldiered
VOTERS spanning the age divide are taking part in the first all-postal vote to select the North-East's three Euro MPs. But veterans of Westminster and European elections are having to familiarise themselves with the postal voting pack the same as novice
A PROJECT for young people which has been three years in the planning was finally opened at Bedale on Saturday. Experienced skateboarders joined young enthusiasts at the official launch of the new Bedale skate park in the grounds of Bedale Hall. Skateboarders
THE Forestry Commission this week defended its handling of a major tree-planting scheme in a moors beauty spot. The Commission said plans for 46 hectares in Bilsdale had met necessary criteria and that proper consultation procedures had been observed.
A NEW record is believed to have been set for Wensleydale land prices at a sale on Tuesday. A total of 81 acres of meadow and pasture land at Sedbusk, near Hawes was sold in five lots by public auction - and averaged a staggering of £6,670 an acre. Hawes
Tim Henman yesterday paid tribute to the huge surge of British support which has accompanied his attempt to make history at the French Open. But he warned his toughest challenge lies ahead when he faces third-seeded Argentine Guillermo Coria today in
Followers of Bishop Auckland cricket club who missed the Second XI fixture on Saturday missed a piece of club history as 17-year-old David Turgoose took his first hat-trick and became the first left arm bowler to take three wickets in three balls since
DOROTHY Appleby remembers rushing to her husband's bedside."The sister said that they hoped he was going to come round and be sane because he had such a bad head injury," she says. "She didn't say that he had lost half of his brain. "I sang to him We'll
EXPERTS in the region have warned the parents of hyperactive children to be cautious over claims being made for a new drug. Amoxetine, or Strattera, has been licensed to treat ADHD attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the UK. With about one in
THE mayor of a small New Zealand community will arrive in the North today as part of the Transit of Venus celebrations. Meng Foon, mayor of Gisborne, is visiting Whitby, North Yorkshire, because of Gisborne's association with Captain James Cook's Transit
MUSIC by the Flying Emperors will get the 80th Bowes carnival under way next Friday when they perform in the village hall at 8pm. A fancy dress parade and the crowning of the carnival queen take place the following day, with a theme of the Olympics. Activities
Billingham Pumas gained promotion to the English U12 North A League for the season 2004-2005 after defeating local neighbours Whitley Arrows 5-4 at Hillheads. The match in the Promotion/Relegation U12 play-offs was a thrilling, end to end encounter with
A BUILDING containing what has been described as the office block of the future is springing up on the site of a former pig farm near Bedale. When they experienced a collapse in the pig industry, brother and sister Edwin Birtwistle and Dorothy Knightley
THE success of a bottled water company operating in a national park in diversifying and obtaining planning permission in what was a difficult area should give encouragement to others. This was the view expressed by Miss Anne McIntosh, MP for the Vale
DARLINGTON. - Thurs of last week. Fwd: 474 cattle, 751 sheep. Steers lt to 103.5p/£470.93 av 102.1p; med to 125.5p/£696.53 av 111.09p; heavy to 141.5p/£933.90 av 107.63; overall steer av 109.71p; hfrs lt to 100.5p/£396.98 av 88.87p; med to 131.5p/£811.48
MICHAEL Ingham's dislocated finger may have put his international ambitions on hold - but it has saved cash-strapped Sunderland £30,000. The 23-year-old goalkeeper was expected to make his Northern Ireland debut in Wednesday night's friendly with Caribbean
EUROPEAN ELECTIONS: THE disadvantages of membership of the European Union speak for themselves. The infamous Common Agricultural Policy swallows up 40 per cent of the entire benefit to subsidise insolvent French and German farmers. The equally infamous
THE FAMILY of a man found hanged in a North-East prison spoke of their grief last night at losing a much-loved son and brother. Relatives of William Hunter, known as Billy, said they were devastated when they found out the 25-year-old had died in Durham
LAPD - Protect And Serve?: This World (BBC2): AMERICAN police series have tended to make us immune to the lawlessness and violence on the streets. It takes a powerful documentary like this to remind us that it's a real problem. One record that Los Angeles
JAZZ musician George Melly will play at The Arc, in Stockton, on Saturday, June 12. Tickets are £14, £12 and £10. To book, call The Arc box office on (01642) 525199. Published: 04/06/2004
LAPD - Protect And Serve?: This World (BBC2) AMERICAN police series have tended to make us immune to the lawlessness and violence on the streets. It takes a powerful documentary like this to remind us that it's a real problem. One record that Los Angeles
SECONDARY schools in the North-East are desperate for teachers, according to an education recruitment agency. Protocol Teachers said there was a growing number of unfilled vacancies at secondary schools in the region. It has issued an appeal to try to
Hartlepool ended the third week of the inter club league by further extending its lead in the second division, courtesy of another crushing win, this time at the expense of Teesside. Paul Newbury took his game against Darren Rayner, a result that was
A victorious and all conquering Chester-le-Street Rugby Football Club recently returned from the seventh Schneider Electric Rugby Tournament in France. Captain Martin Stephenson took a strong side of local players under the guise of 'UK Lions" to the
THE fourth round of the Guisborough and District Motor Club's summer series attracted an entry of 100 riders to Wayworth Farm, Commondale. The old quarry workings, plus huge rock outcrops, proved a trials rider's dream. Clerk of course Howard Watson put
Washington maintained their position at the top of Division One when they won for the sixth time in seven outings, defeating Newton Aycliffe by 34 runs. When they batted first, the leaders posted 142 all out which included 33 by Cuthbertson while for
