Archive

  • Weather may give Durham a silver lining once again

    DURHAM are praying for fine weather at Riverside today to give them a chance of completing a sensational fifth successive championship win. Their bubble was almost burst yesterday as Yorkshire's Chris Silverwood and century-maker Anthony McGrath continued

  • Love just can't be this blind

    I'm going on a blind date next week. A friend of mine thinks I'm just too passive to ever get myself sorted out and that I have reached an age when I have to go out and market myself. Hmm. It's not that I don't welcome her efforts but I'm worried because

  • Lane on Easy Street in helping Marton remain unbeaten

    Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League Division One: Marton top the table boasting the only unbeaten record after securing an easy win over Barnard Castle. And although the runs flowed throughout the innings, it was Chris Lane who was dominant

  • Man denies murder

    A HOMELESS man taken in as a lodger by a wheelchair-bound multiple sclerosis sufferer battered him to death on the day he moved in. Keith Jones, who suffers from an anti-social behaviour disorder, killed Robert Henry Carter in a drunken rage at Mr Carter's

  • Lining up for chance of glory

    Finalists in one of the region's biggest beauty contests are under starter's orders on the eve of this year's pageant. The second annual Miss Durham competition, held at Sedgefield Racecourse tomorrow night, is expected to attract an audience of hundreds

  • Gaffney despair

    THE third round of this season's Avon Tyres Formula Ford Championship at Brands Hatch ended in the gravel trap and disappointment for Durham teenager Sean Gaffney. After two solid races in the opening rounds of the championship earlier this month Gaffney

  • Business branches out

    TWO Darlington entrepreneurs have expanded their business, by opening a restaurant. The Atlantic Bar and Grill, in Coniscliffe, Road - formerly known as Sam's restaurant - has opened after undergoing extensive refurbishment. The premises were bought in

  • Sharing cost of buying a home

    Chancellor Gordon Brown yesterday outlined plans to help up to 100,000 first-time buyers on to the housing ladder with a part-ownership scheme. Couples will have to raise as little as half the cost of homes sold on the open market under a deal struck

  • On TV last night

    55 Degrees North (BBC1) The Airships (C4) The Michelangelo Code: Secrets Of The Sistine Chapel (C4) ONE of the policemen in 55 Degrees North asked his colleague how he intended to spend the evening. "Getting drunk, eating crisps, watching telly," came

  • Fun day to find out about fitness

    A FAMILY fun day to encourage young people to become more active took place at the weekend. The event, at Teesdale Sports Centre, in Barnard Castle, was co-ordinated by Durham Dales Primary Care Trust's Leap project, Active Choice, to get youngsters to

  • 23/05/2005

    NICE WORK: It is with satisfaction I am writing to inform you of the service my husband and I received at our local Homebase store in Darlington. What a pleasure it was to receive excellent service from Gary, the supervisor, and the management. Even down

  • Cycle ride for charity

    A MAN with respiratory problems has set himself a challenge of completing a 40km ride on an exercise bike. Allan Christian, who is a member of the Lifestyle fitness suite, at Ferryhill Leisure Centre, suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

  • Teachers hoping to chalk up national awards

    TEACHERS from across the North-East and North Yorkshire have been nominated in the 2005 national Teaching Awards. The awards are held every year to recognise excellence in teaching. Winners of the regional finals will go through to the national final,

  • Not as canny as last time

    55 Degrees North (BBC1); The Airships (C4); The Michelangelo Code: Secrets Of The Sistine Chapel (C4): ONE of the policemen in 55 Degrees North asked his colleague how he intended to spend the evening. "Getting drunk, eating crisps, watching telly," came

  • In the pink to help charity

    THOUSANDS of women stepped out in colourful costumes to kick off a North-East fundraising drive for a cancer charity yesterday. The first of five regional Race for Life events was staged by Cancer Research UK at Saltwell Park, Gateshead. A record field

  • Plan to build four homes on pub car park

    HOUSES could be built on a pub car park if plans are approved. DKS architects has submitted a planning application to Sedgefield Borough Council to transform part of the car park at the County Hotel, in Aycliffe village. The Middlesbrough-based company

  • Community turns out for medieval gathering

    FAMILIES in Sedgefield turned out at the weekend for the 35th medieval fair on the village green. The Aidensfield bus from the television series Heartbeat was one of the many attractions at the event on Saturday, which also included knights on horseback

  • Keep your eyes on Winston at Beverley and Thirsk

    IN-FORM rider Robert Winston looks the jockey to follow at both Beverley and Thirsk today. Winston's strength-in-the-saddle should prove a telling asset when it comes to partnering Spring Time Girl (4.30) for the Lord Nelson Banded Stakes at the first-named

  • Jury clears soccer player of assault

    A FIVE-A-SIDE soccer player who punched an opponent leaving him with brain damage walked free from court. A jury at Teesside Crown Court took less than an hour to clear Andrew Walker, 22, after other players said that victim Darren Mitchell, 32, earlier

  • Town plans gets the Government backing

    A TOWN centre regeneration and housing plan has overcome its biggest hurdle by winning the approval of the Government's regional office. The Government Office North East (Gone) approved a three-phase application for 270 homes, part demolition of an industrial

  • Hospital radio station celebrates 20th anniversary

    A HOSPITAL radio station that has brought a little light relief to patients for the past two decades celebrated its success at the weekend. Radio Skerne, based at Darlington Memorial Hospital, marked its 20th anniversary with a party involving the people

  • Pupils urged to step out in an attempt to stay healthy

    HEALTH and transport bosses are joining forces to encourage hundreds of schoolchildren in Darlington to take a step towards fitness this week. Darlington Borough Council and the town's primary care trust have unveiled a number of initiatives in conjunction

  • MP's weapons joke backfires

    A LIGHT-HEARTED speech by Redcar's Labour MP poking fun at her constituency has been criticised as being "ill-judged". Vera Baird may have had her colleagues in Westminster laughing this week, but some in the town failed to see the funny side. Speaking

  • Seafront plan support called into question

    A CONTROVERSIAL sea-front redevelopment may go to a public inquiry, despite a council's claims that most residents back the scheme. The final plan for Redcar's Coatham Enclosure project, in which land will be sold for housing to pay for leisure developments

  • Regiment in the front line to provide weekend entertainment

    THE Sappers were out in force at the weekend - celebrating a freedom of the city honour. About 400 soldiers and officers from 38 Engineer Regiment, at Claro Barracks, Ripon were involved in three days of celebrations during their annual Ripon Weekend,

  • RSC season celebrates plotters and players

    EXPLOSIVE humour is heading for the North-East this winter when the Royal Shakespeare Company's annual tour links three of the best of the Bard's comedies with five dramas celebrating the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot. Tickets for the RSC season

  • Success of drug raids welcomed by police

    POLICE believe they have made inroads on the street-level supply of drugs in part of the North-East following weekend seizures. A substantial quantity of amphetamine sulphate was recovered following the arrest of two men in North Shields, North Tyneside

  • New rangers help promote area

    TWO new rangers are already out and about promoting east Durham's coast and countryside. The pair are carrying out countryside management and patrol duties along the newly cleaned Durham coastline, between Seaham and Crimdon, as well as overseeing cycleways

  • Public meeting

    PEOPLE living in the Brus area of Hartlepool are being invited to set up a residents' association. A meeting will be held at the West View Community Centre, Miers Avenue, at 7pm tomorrow. To take part, call Tracey Foster on (01429) 262641.

  • University system helps cut red tape

    A BUSINESS improvement programme developed by a North-East university academic is helping a police force cut through red tape. The University of Sunderland said the Process Improvement through Strategic Objectives (Piso) scheme has revolutionised Northumbria

  • Students prepare for live concerts

    MUSIC students are to perform two live concerts at a North-East venue. The Sage music centre, in Gateshead, will host Let There Be Rock, an evening of classic rock featuring first-year music and performing arts students from New College Durham, on June

  • Action urged to curb tearaway youths on estate

    A COUNCILLOR says tearaway youths are making elderly residents on a housing estate prisoners in their homes. Eggs and fruit have been thrown at the windows of houses in Yarm's Willey Flatts estate, and there have also been recent arson attacks on gardens

  • Reminders are given to cut noise

    PEOPLE in the Tees Valley area are being urged to be good neighbours. Council officials want them to be aware of how their day-to-day actions can generate noise, which can affect others. A drive to raise awareness is being led by the Tees Valley Environmental

  • Successful rowing regatta expands to attract 250 crews

    DISABLED athletes took part in the annual Tees Regatta, in Stockton, at the weekend for the first time. Adaptive rowing will be a new Paralympic sport in the Beijing Games in 2008. Gary Doig, North-East community involvement executive with npower, sponsors

  • Proud mum at inauguration

    A CITY'S new mayor was elected to office with a proud guest overseeing the event. Eighty-one-year-old Lily Stephenson was among the invited audience at the ceremony, in which her son, Bill, was installed as Sunderland's mayor. A retired local government

  • Alan shows off his skills on ward

    A BALLOON artist has given a display of his skills to an audience of young hospital patients. Alan Young entertained children in the Treetops ward at Durham's University Hospital of North Durham. Although he is a regular visitor to the children's ward

  • Community calling for work to tackle smell of sewage

    COMMUNITY leaders in a village plagued by the smell of sewage are calling on water company bosses to tackle the problem. Residents of Kirklevington, Teesside, say they are fed up with the smell caused by waste from nearby Crathorne. Crathorne's sewage

  • Usher helps Bishops ease their way to another win

    Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League Premier Division: Bishop Auckland, now one of only two unbeaten sides, moved into second position when they defeated another of the fancied sides Saltburn with consumate ease at Kingsway. They could hardly

  • Move to give key staff property help

    A BID to help key workers get on the property ladder in and around Harrogate will be made this week. Harrogate Borough Council's cabinet will meet on Wednesday to discuss recommendations for helping workers, including nurses, buy their own homes. Average

  • Rubbish tip may be expanded

    A HEAVILY-USED rubbish tip could be expanded to cope with demand. Councillors have been recommended by planners to approve the proposals for Wetherby Road tip, in Harrogate, now called the Stonefall Community Recycling Centre. Harrogate Borough Council's

  • Speeding driver killed young boy

    A speeding BMW driver knocked down and killed a seven-year-old boy who had followed a pal across the road for a drink of water. David Josh Cameron, seven, was hit as he crossed a pedestrian crossing on his pushbike as his horrified friends looked on.

  • 250-mile revamp of county's roads

    A MAJOR programme of road resurfacing will be taking place on routes across North Yorkshire over the next few months. More than 26,000 tonnes of chippings and 3,500 tonnes of binder will be used on more than 250 miles of road. Motorists are being urged

  • Keep your eyes on Winston at Beverley and Thirsk

    IN-FORM rider Robert Winston looks the jockey to follow at both Beverley and Thirsk today. Winston's strength-in-the-saddle should prove a telling asset when it comes to partnering Spring Time Girl (4.30) for the Lord Nelson Banded Stakes at the first-named

  • Success of drug raids welcomed by police

    POLICE believe they have made inroads on the street-level supply of drugs in part of the North-East following weekend seizures. A substantial quantity of amphetamine sulphate was recovered following the arrest of two men in North Shields, North Tyneside

  • Bishop and pupil launch work

    SCHOOLGIRL Jodi Sheard fulfilled many children's dreams by digging up the ground at her school - but it was all above board. She joined the Rt Rev John Crowley, RC Bishop of Middlesbrough, at the controls of a mechanical digger to begin a new era for

  • Killing outside pub: man in court

    A MAN alleged to have killed a father-of-six in a knife attack outside a pub has appeared in court. Wayne Lee Gates is accused of the murder of Alan "Bally" Jones, in an incident outside Hogan's bar in Southwick, Sunderland, last month. The 30-year-old

  • Stabbing victim fighting for life

    A MAN was fighting for his life in hospital last night after being repeatedly stabbed in a street disturbance. Police said the young local victim, who has not been named, was stabbed several times in the chest and torso, in the incident in Blackhall,

  • Successful rowing regatta expands to attract 250 crews

    DISABLED athletes took part in the annual Tees Regatta at the weekend for the first time. Adaptive rowing will be a new Paralympic sport in the Beijing Games in 2008. Gary Doig, North-East community involvement executive with npower, sponsors of the disabled

  • Ceremony to mark forgotten war heroes

    A MOVING ceremony yesterday brought recognition to a number of war dead who had been omitted from a village cenotaph. Several months ago, to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War a research project was launched to track down servicemen

  • Sculpture day is art prize

    CHILDREN from a Stanley school worked with leading artist Sarah Evans to produce a sculpture made from natural materials found in their playground. Youngsters enjoyed the environmental art workshop as part of a prize, which the school was given for winning

  • McClaren's plea to Boro pair

    STEVE McCLAREN has warned two of his players they risk losing their 'star' status if they quit Middlesbrough. With Aiyegbeni Yakubu agreeing to join the Teessiders on July 1, the Boro boss is hoping to add to his summer dealing by tying up new contracts

  • Sobering message over N-E drink-drive survey

    NEARLY a quarter of the region's drivers get behind the wheel after drinking above the legal limit, new research shows. A survey commissioned by Privilege Insurance suggests that anti drink-driving messages are failing to hit home in the North-East. The

  • Humphreys caps a memorable week with new deal

    DAYS after netting the spot-kick that secured Hartlepool United's place in the League One play-off final, Ritchie Humphreys had another reason to celebrate. The midfielder signed a new deal at the weekend to keep him at Victoria Park for another two years

  • Taking action to beat bird thieves

    PIGEON fanciers are turning to DNA and artificial insemination techniques because of an increasing trade in prized birds being stolen to order. Those involved in the sport say the trade is thriving in the North-East and they have accused police of failing

  • Charles Bronson is our friend

    Charles Bronson is one of Britain's most notorious prisoners whose violent outbursts have led to him serving 31 years behind bars. But to the Darlington couple who befriended him, he is a kind, warm-hearted man. He is even friends with their ten-year-old

  • 'Wearside Jack' evidence destroyed

    POLICE have destroyed evidence that could prove - or disprove - that "Wearside Jack" was a fellow officer. Thousands of documents relating to potential suspects for the infamous Ripper Hoax have been shredded. Last week, Doreen Hill, the mother of student

  • Amusing return for Russell

    A MOLE surfaces. Have you heard, he asks - incorrigibly, irresistibly - about the long-retired cricketer whose wicket on his third team comeback was bagged by a 39-year-old mother of four, and who in his second match dislocated his finger in two places

  • Controversy mounts over tragic boy's ops cancellation

    CONTROVERSY over a hospital's decision to cancel the operation of a nine-year-old boy who later died while waiting for treatment was mounting last night. It comes after The Northern Echo revealed Peter Buckle died following a fit while waiting for an

  • Double win for dame

    TANNI Grey-Thompson celebrated a double victory at the Paralympic World Cup in Manchester on Sunday. Dame Tanni, Oscar Pistorius and Chantal Petitclerc lit up the track with two golds apiece on the final day of the Visa Paralympic World Cup. Dame Tanni

  • Charles Bronson is our friend

    PHILIP Raper's arms are covered in tattoos. There's the roaring head of a tiger at the top of his right arm and further down, a Native American Indian next to an attractive cartoon woman. But it is the colourful tattoo which dominates his left shoulder

  • Window company goes out of buisness

    A WINDOW and conservatory company has gone out of business with substantial debts. The directors of Energy Efficient Windows Ltd, based in Cramlington, Northumberland, decided to wind the company up after a downturn in business, shedding 50 jobs. It owes

  • Mail delivery service criticised

    THE region is receiving a substandard service from Royal Mail, according to a postal watchdog. Postwatch has revealed that the company has failed to meet its target of delivering 92.5 per cent of First Class mail in 20 out of the 30 postal areas in the

  • Mississippi firm hopes to build casino on Tyne

    ANOTHER US casino operator has unveiled plans for a hotel and leisure complex in the region. The Isle of Capri Group is proposing to invest £200m in Newcastle, with a development featuring a casino with two hotels, as well as leisure and conference facilities

  • Usher helps Bishops ease their way to another win

    Bishop Auckland, now one of only two unbeaten sides, moved into second position when they defeated another of the fancied sides Saltburn with consumate ease at Kingsway. They could hardly have envisaged winning by such a big margin - or that Saltburn

  • Athletics world mourns the death of coaching legend

    TRIBUTES were paid last night to a North-East athletics legend who honed the talents of thousands of young runners round the region. Stan Long, best known as the coach of multi-medal winner Brendan Foster, died in hospital in his home town of Gateshead

  • Steaming in the Baths

    When cathedrals, public gardens and even a car can provide stages for theatrical productions, putting on a play set in Turkish baths in a real Turkish bath house may almost seem a little too obvious. Steve Pratt reports on the latest staging of Steaming

  • N-E girl to present soft porn show

    FORMER Big Brother contestant Michelle Bass is to take over from Abi Titmuss and become television's next soft porn queen. Ms Bass, whose romance with Stu Wilson captured the nation's attention on Channel 4's Big Brother 5 - is to begin presenting Television

  • Businesses warned about advert scams

    SMALL businesses are being urged to hang up on cold-callers selling advertising in publications that they say support the emergency services or charities. The warning came from North Yorkshire County Council's trading standards officers and the Office

  • Preparing for carnival

    A TOWN is hoping to attract record crowds as it prepares for its annual carnival. The event takes place on Saturday, June 11. A parade, featuring schools and community groups, will set off at 11am from Sunnydale Leisure Centre and finish at Hackworth

  • Scotsman takes over

    THE new Mayor of the Sedgefield Borough is the first Scotsman in the post. A former shipyard worker, Jackie Piggott grew up 20 miles north of Glasgow. He moved to Newton Aycliffe in 1972 and joined the council in 1999. He represents the Neville and Simpasture

  • Reynolds in action

    British Superbike champion John Reynolds will take part in the official test for next month's round at Croft tomorrow, writes Matt Westcott. The Rizla Suzuki rider has taken a two-event break to recover from the broken right leg that plagued his early

  • Visually-impaired man in drive to raise funds for blind charity

    A MAN who has been registered blind is to get behind the wheel of a car for the first time in 13 years in a fundraising challenge for charity. David Wilkinson from Newton Hall, Durham, is hoping to raise about £8,000 for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association

  • Hospital chief to step down

    One of the longest serving hospital chief executives in the North-East is about to step down. Joan Rogers, chief executive of the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust, is expected to take voluntary early retirement within the next few days. Mrs Rogers,

  • Patron Donna to air charity's work

    A NORTH-EAST children's charity is celebrating after one of the region's best-known stars agreed to become its patron. Donna Air, who shot to fame after starring in Byker Grove as a child, has pledged to support the work of the Children North East charity

  • No let-up from ace Appleby

    The Readers Durham County League: Jim Allenby became the first player to score 500 runs this season - and also took five wickets in leading Brandon to their sixth successive victory on Saturday. Mainsforth went into the game having made their best start

  • Town's history on show for all

    THE changing face of Darlington over the past few decades was revealed at the weekend, as heritage campaigners staged a major exhibition. Darlington Civic Trust displayed a wealth of photographs and information about the changes the town has gone through

  • Towns gather to remember the war

    TWO communities are to commemorate the time leading up to the end of the Second World War with a series of events. Ferryhill and Sedgefield town councils have received £20,000 each from Home Front Recall, a Heritage Fund and the National Lottery initiative

  • Young sports stars reap the rewards

    THE achievements of young sports people in Darlington will be celebrated at an awards ceremony this week. The monthly Darlington Sports Winners' scheme, supported by the borough council, recognises the efforts of youngsters involved in sport. Volunteer

  • Model example of hall revamp

    A SCALE model has been built showing the £6m plans for the redevelopment of a public hall in the centre of a market town. The £4,600 model shows how Witham Hall, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, will look if the refurbishment takes place. The development

  • Church organ appeal is renewed

    OFFICIALS are still hoping to revive an appeal to buy a replacement organ for one of Darlington's oldest churches. The pipe organ is one of the most striking features of St Cuthbert's Church, in the town centre, but its deteriorating condition has become

  • 'Outrage' over plans to sell land to pay for leisure pool

    OPPOSITION councillors are "outraged" at plans to sell off land in surrounding villages to help pay for a city's swimming baths. The Labour group on Durham City Council is angry at proposals put forward by the ruling Liberal Democrats in a five-year plan

  • Town centre regeneration gets Government approval

    A TOWN centre regeneration and housing plan has overcome its biggest hurdle by winning the approval of the Government's regional office. The Government Office North East (Gone) approved a three-phase application for 270 homes, part demolition of an industrial

  • Artistic pupils demonstrate their skills

    YOUNGSTERS have been putting their creative talents to the test with a celebration of school art. Pupils at Bedale Church of England primary demonstrated their skills by holding a gallery day on Saturday. The event was organised by teacher Adele Eldridge

  • Couple launch top glass exhibition

    NEARLY a quarter-of-a-century of glass-making is being marked in an exhibition which opened at the weekend. Tim and Maureen Simon, of Uredale Glass, have been making free-blown glass in Masham since 1981. They are staging an exhibition, called "Synthesis

  • Sculpture proves a traffic-stopper

    A TRIBUTE to Teesside's men of steel stopped traffic in its tracks yesterday. Cleveland Police shut part of the A66, on the edge of Middlesbrough, as a five-tonne steel sculpture of a ladle was installed on a roundabout at the entrance to the South Tees

  • Ship sails in to mark Trafalgar landmark

    HMS OCEAN, the Royal Navy's largest warship, is to visit the North-East as part of the year-long Sea Britain celebrations for the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. The warship will sail into Sunderland for the weekend of June 4 to 5, when

  • Big Elvis fan despite a little less conversation

    LAZY British Bulldog Elvis spends most afternoons sleeping and waiting to be fed in his North-East home. But at night he is transformed into the country's first canine tribute to the king of rock and roll. With his turned-up collar and sequined jumpsuit

  • Railway goes back to 1940s with military-themed weekend

    STEAM enthusiasts re-created a scene from a bygone era on a restored rail line at the weekend. Tanfield Railway staged a weekend of nostalgia on its three-mile working line in north-west Durham. Visitors were invited to the railway's Military Weekend,

  • Patients have a chance of input

    PATIENTS and carers in Easington can have their say on nursing services. Easington Primary Care Trust's Community Nursing Services are celebrating National Nurses Day on Thursday by holding an event at Shotton Hall, in Peterlee. The day is aimed at talking

  • Group aims to make new pit banner

    A GROUP looking to create a new pit banner has launched a website to give online information about its work. The Brandon Heritage Group hopes to raise money to make a replacement for the 1963 lodge banner, which was unfurled by former Labour leader Michael

  • Ambition reached for mum

    CATHERINE PATTERSON has gone from being a full-time mother to a teacher, following a series of Learning and Skills Council-funded courses. Seven years ago, the 38-year-old returned to part-time education, and has now qualified as a learning tutor. She

  • Views are needed on waterside land use

    PEOPLE in Hartlepool are being offered a chance to air their views on the development of one of the last waterfront sites in the town's marina. They are being invited to a drop-in session to comment on possible uses for a hectare of land next to Jackson

  • Eco-friendly cabins replace static caravans at park site

    ECO-FRIENDLY log cabins are transforming a popular caravan park alongside a North-East riverside beauty spot. Ageing static caravans are being replaced by 50 of the wood-look luxury homes at Finchale Abbey Park, near Durham. The single-storey lodges look

  • Study not so hard, thanks to software

    HUNDREDS of students in North Yorkshire are making the most of a new high-tech study aid to help them with their revision. With the help of SAM Learning software, teenagers can access a host of revision exercises wherever there is a computer - whether

  • Bike ride goes ahead despite family death

    EFFORTS to raise funds to help local children has been hit by tragedy. But the death of a family member will not be allowed to affect plans for a sponsored 300-mile cycle ride to raise cash for a Scout camp for nearly 400 young people. Assistant Redcar

  • Time for worker to wheelie take it easy

    REFUSE collector Norman Skinner is looking forward to lots of time with his grandchildren - and on the golf course. After 30 years with Hambleton District Council's refuse collection service, Mr Skinner has emptied his last wheelie bin. He has worked

  • Dutch tourist dies after fall from bike

    A HOLIDAYMAKER from Holland has died in hospital after a fall from his bike in North Yorkshire. The man, who was on a touring holiday with his wife, has yet to be named. He came off his machine as he was travelling down a bank between Mickleby and Ellerby

  • Coroner angry at speed traps

    TRAFFIC police have been accused of inept law enforcement by a local coroner after he spotted them using speed guns on a weekday morning. Michael Oakley, the Malton-based coroner for North Yorkshire East, said the officers had been targeting soft options

  • Couple launch top glass exhibition

    NEARLY a quarter-of-a-century of glass-making is being marked in an exhibition which opened at the weekend. Tim and Maureen Simon, of Uredale Glass, have been making free-blown glass in Masham since 1981. They are staging an exhibition, called "Synthesis

  • Roll up for some circus fun

    A CIRCUS revival tour will bring back memories when the big top arrives in the North-East later this week. Billy Smart's Circus is back on the road after a gap of more than three decades and pitches its tent at the Sands in Durham City, on Thursday, for

  • Owen pursuit genuine, claims angry Shepherd

    ANGRY Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has rejected suggestions the club's interest in Michael Owen is primarily aimed at helping season ticket sales. After selling Aaron Hughes to Aston Villa and releasing Patrick Kluivert last week, Graeme Souness

  • Tight at the top as four fight it out

    Foster's Durham Senior League: Just two points separate the top four teams with Eppleton, Hetton Lyons and Whitburn all winning. Horden stay in pole position after drawing at Burnmoor. The leaders looked to have bowled themselves into a strong position

  • Killing outside pub: man in court

    A MAN alleged to have killed a father-of-six in a knife attack outside a pub has appeared in court. Wayne Lee Gates is accused of the murder of Alan "Bally" Jones, in an incident outside Hogan's bar in Southwick, Sunderland, last month. The 30-year-old

  • School defends 'extremist candidate' in mock voting

    A PRIVATE school has defended its decision to let a student stand as a candidate for the far right British National Party (BNP) as part of a mock election. Yarm School, on Teesside, has come under fire from teaching unions and politicians after a year

  • Policeman who tackled armed robbers receives bravery award

    An off-duty policeman who faced up to a masked gang of armed robbers is to receive a force's top bravery award. PC Phil Clapham will be presented with Durham Constabulary's Matt Wilkinson Trophy at a ceremony at the Aykley Heads Police Headquarters tomorrow

  • I'm off, it's just too rough - ex-terrorist

    A FORMER terrorist who fled Northern Ireland under threat of death wants to leave the town where he is living because it is too rough. Roy Richmond said he wanted to move out of Stockton because he was sick of the high levels of crime and drugs in the

  • Comment from The Northern Echo: Nurturing our young people

    WITH so much attention on anti-social behaviour, it is easy to generalise about the younger generation. The Prime Minister's post-election announcement of a fresh drive to promote greater discipline among young people coincided with the Bluewater shopping

  • Mum says school fall has put boy in a wheelchair

    A TEENAGER said to have fallen on a school step is now wheelchair bound, being taught at home and using a stairlift, says his mother. Anthony Gilmore injured his thigh and knee in the accident, at Whinfield Junior School, in Darlington, in 2001, when

  • Traditional Japanese costumes under the spotlight at Museum

    EXQUISITE traditional Japanese kimonos will be discussed at a museum talk this week. Expert Helen Stewart will talk about the history of the colourful and delicate garments at Durham's Oriental Museum, in Elvet Hill. The talk takes place at 2pm on Saturday

  • 'Invest in helping youth of the town'

    COUNCIL bosses have been criticised by Government inspectors for providing a poor service to hundreds of teenagers - and are now facing fresh demands to invest heavily in youth provision. A report by education watchdog Ofsted, published today, condemns

  • Gordon's plan to help young housebuyers

    Chancellor Gordon Brown yesterday outlined plans to help up to 100,000 first-time buyers onto the housing ladder with a part-ownership scheme. Couples will have to raise as little as half the cost of homes sold on the open market under a deal struck between

  • Talks over fate of football stadium

    THE fate of a former North-East football stadium could be decided soon, as the trust that owns the derelict site prepares to take advice. Darlington Feethams Cricket Field Trust has asked for a professional opinion on the best way to dispose of the land

  • Quakers hand Gregorio a Christmas deadline

    AMERICAN midfielder Adolfo Gregorio has been given until Christmas to show David Hodgson he can be a success in the English game with Darlington. Gregorio last week agreed to stay at the Williamson Motors Stadium until the end of 2005. Now Hodgson has

  • Usher helps Bishops ease their way to another win

    Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League Premier Division: Bishop Auckland, now one of only two unbeaten sides, moved into second position when they defeated another of the fancied sides Saltburn with consumate ease at Kingsway. They could hardly

  • McCarthy hopes for Kuqi coup

    Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy is ready to renew his interest in Ipswich striker Shefki Kuqi now that the Suffolk side have seen their promotion hopes disappear. Northern Echo SPORT revealed McCarthy was originally interested in the Finland international

  • Plenty left in reserve as Sunderland move into pole

    Foster's ECB North East Regional Premier League: Sunderland moved into pole position with victory over Philadelphia at Bunker Hill where they had 27 runs and plenty of time to spare. When Sunderland batted first an early wicket by Durham County's Mark

  • Cancer tsar in N-E for visit to hospital

    THE Government's national cancer director will be in the region this week to highlight improvements in cancer care. Cancer tsar Professor Mike Richards was appointed by the Government to shake up cancer services across the country. Tomorrow, he will meet

  • Durham Diary

    PEOPLE laughed two years ago when Phil "Colonel" Mustard was tipped as England's potential answer to Adam Gilchrist. Suddenly it doesn't look quite such a fanciful notion after three career-bests in nine days. His 53 not out against Yorkshire last Sunday

  • Expectation surfaces for Henman in France

    WITH his tanned complexion and patchy stubble, Tim Henman looked like a clay-courter of Latin extraction during last year's French Open. In becoming the first Britain to make the semi-finals of the tournament for 41 years, he played like one too. But,

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    A FILM fan's irreplaceable collection of movie figures has been stolen from his home. Mark Nicholson has spent years lovingly building and painting model kits of science fiction and horror film characters, from movies such as Star Wars and Hellraiser.

  • Owen pursuit genuine, claims angry Shepherd

    ANGRY Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has rejected suggestions the club's interest in Michael Owen is primarily aimed at helping season ticket sales. After selling Aaron Hughes to Aston Villa and releasing Patrick Kluivert last week, Graeme Souness