Archive

  • A day from heaven, a day from hell

    THE day before, London had been a sea of smiling faces - a city ready to party after winning the race to host the 2012 Olympics. But yesterday, the party was over. Celebration was replaced by devastation as terrorists brought death, fear and mayhem to

  • Hill farming on brink of -rapid and unmanaged collapse'

    HILL farming is on the brink of a "rapid, and unmanaged collapse," the National Trust warned this week. If livestock disappeared from the uplands, the landscape and features would change dramatically, with an impact on wildlife and tourism. In Wednesday's

  • An off night for a popular pub?

    NO doubt readers wonder how contributors to this column select the establishments to be reviewed. Sometimes it's a recommendation, sometimes past experience and sometimes, as in the case of the Farmers' Arms at Scorton, between Darlington and Catterick

  • Audition date

    THE Riverside Musical Theatre Company is holding open auditions for youngsters aged from five to 16 years, for their December production of Cinderella. The auditions will be held at St Cuthbert's Social Club, Chester-le-Street, from 2pm until 4pm on Sunday

  • Skinningrove flood work starts soon

    WORK starts this month on a £680,000 coastal protection scheme for Skinningrove. The flood defence work starts on Monday, July 18 and is expected to be completed by September or October. The work, which has been grant-aided by Defra, will involve widening

  • The £300m work placement teenager

    A TEENAGER on work placement has opened up a £300m market for a North-East company. Stephen Roe, 19, of Billingham, Stockton, started a 14-month placement last July with Analox Sensor Technology in Stokesley, North Yorkshire, after finishing his A-levels

  • Now you can get something for nothing

    CAN you really get something for nothing? Yes you can - and help to change the world at the same time. You can do it through Freecycle. It's an Internet notice board where everything is being given away for free. All you have to do is turn up on time

  • Orange snubs village as it pulls out of mast meeting

    VILLAGERS turned out in force to protest at plans to erect a mobile phone mast in Great Broughton, but no answers were offered by the phone company. More than 100 people attended Great and Little Broughton Parish Council on Tuesday to discuss plans from

  • Teenage tearaway praised

    A TEENAGER made subject of Britain's toughest anti-social behaviour (Asbo) order had two of his restrictions relaxed because his conduct has improved. Shane Preston was praised by police and magistrates for the progress he has made in recent weeks when

  • Scott poised for an opening role

    DURHAM could pitch Gary Scott in to open the batting when they resume championship action against Lancashire at Riverside today. Almost four years after his only previous first-class appearance just after his 17th birthday, Scott has retained his place

  • ShopTalk: Now you can get something for nothing

    CAN you really get something for nothing? Yes you can - and help to change the world at the same time. You can do it through Freecycle. It's an Internet notice board where everything is being given away for free. All you have to do is turn up on time

  • Crash bang - a joint production of Oliver

    TICKETS are on sale for a community play involving more than 40 youngsters. Theatre company Crash Bang Wallop and Stokesley School are behind the production of Oliver, which also features ten adult cast members. As part of the project, Paul Busby, head

  • Terrorist attack unnerves the City

    CITY traders panicked yesterday as bomb blasts shook London. The FTSE 100 plunged by more than 200 points but recovered later in the day, closing down 71 points. Some economists predicted that the Bank of England could move to cut rates in coming days

  • The trail of carnage that led to bomb blasts in London

    THE string of explosions in London yesterday were the latest in a long and bloody line of outrages against western targets by suspected al Qaida fighters. At least ten other terrorist attacks have occurred since September 11, 2001, when Osama bin Laden's

  • Pony dates

    Bedale & West of Yore PC. - July 9 & 10: tetrathlon at Northallerton EC. All classes. July 26: ODE at Newfield, Mickley, inc novice challenge & Helen Crockatt, novice & open classes. Sae for schedules to Mrs F Blaine, 7 Stoneybrough Lane

  • Prisoner found dead in cell 'let down by system'

    THE mother of a prisoner found dead in his cell has told an inquest he was let down by the system. Former soldier Morris Cowen, 30, of Blyth, Northumberland, died while on remand in Durham Prison. Mr Cowen, a heroin addict, was found in December 2003

  • Internet firm plans to open 50 branches

    IT company Intermedia Solutions yesterday announced plans to open 50 franchises, beginning next year. The internet company, based in Darlington, plans to deliver web development and online marketing services to small and medium-sized businesses across

  • McCarthy to follow Robson's example

    A BULLISH Mick McCarthy last night revealed he is confident he has the ability, and his Sunderland squad the talent, to compete with the very best in the Premier League. With the new campaign five weeks away the Black Cats' boss takes his charges on a

  • Bell strikes top form as Saltburn step up title charge

    SALTBURN have the opportunity to considerably extend their lead at the top of the premier division when they are one of only two sides to play twice this weekend. Following their scheduled fixture at home to bottom club Billingham Synthonia tomorrow,

  • More growth in store for Chips empire

    A VIDEO games specialist with stores across the region is planning to expand after increasing its number of stores from two to 29 in six years. Chips, which was formed in the 1980s, has stores in Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Darlington, Redcar, in east

  • Police appeal after mysterious death

    POLICE are preparing a file for the coroner following the mysterious death of a young woman, who was found in her home in a north Durham village. Detectives confirmed the body of the 28-year-old woman discovered in her bungalow at midnight on Thursday

  • Family free range egg firm breaks the million barrier

    A FAMILY business supplying free range eggs has just sold more than a million in a record-breaking week. The milestone event at the Potter family's Yorkshire Farmhouse Eggs business and their Village Farm packhouse at Catton, near Thirsk, marks spectacular

  • Why are certain places in the meteorological firing line?

    LIGHTNING, it is said, never strikes the same place twice, but this is not entirely true. It can, and does, occasionally hit the same place, although a man called Roy Sullivan of Virginia in the United States survived seven strikes. On the other hand,

  • Parish to protect village green from thoughtless young drivers

    NEASHAM Parish Council is taking steps to protect the village green from youths driving cars. At Monday's meeting, chairman John Weighell reported that youths had been causing problems for residents over the past month by driving their cars over the village

  • I know exactly who I am, thank you

    AN IDENTITY card "gives individuals the right to secure verification of their own identity" the Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, told the House of Commons in the ID card debate last week. Thanks, Mr C, but I'm not having an identity crisis. When I get

  • Bellamy finally departs, with a dig at Souness

    CRAIG BELLAMY last night signed for Blackburn Rovers, and couldn't resist one last parting shot at Newcastle manager Graeme Souness. The 25-year-old Wales international has been on his way out of St James' Park and, at loggerheads with Souness, since

  • The day terrorists struck at the heart of Britain

    MORE than 50 people were feared dead last night and an estimated 700 were injured as London became the front line in the war against terror. Terrorists - believed to be Islamic militants - launched a devastating series of co-ordinated bomb attacks across

  • Haulage operators look at altrnatives to fossil fuel

    HAULAGE operators in County Durham are to find out how fuels made from vegetable oil can help cut their greenhouse gas emissions and tackle climate change. Durham County Council is holding a Durham Biodiesel Day at Beamish, the North of England Open Air

  • County backs call for A19 bridge at danger crossroads

    THE Highways Agency is expected to be urged on Monday to give a high priority to building a bridge over the A19 at an accident blackspot. The central reservation gap at the Black Swan crossroads, between Ingleby Arncliffe and Crathorne, was closed by

  • Dog collared

    A DOG which hid in a farmer's field for more than two weeks has finally been caught. The nervous German shepherd is now being cared for at a dog kennel in Durham City, where staff hope to find her a loving home. Darlington Borough Council's dog warden

  • Skilbeck cracks century as Easingwold prosper

    Pickering were no match for high-flying visitors Sessay, who became the first side to win six games in the division when they ran out eight-wicket winners last Saturday. Paul Witty's 48 was the only notable contribution for the Pikes, who could only make

  • Coroner calls for changes to 'death mile'

    A CORONER has called for safety changes at an accident blackspot after a pensioner was killed in an horrific smash. Retired plumber John Horton, 72, from Boosebeck, near Guisborough, was hit at about 40mph as he attempted to cross two lanes of a busy

  • Best week ever for the region's golfers

    EVEN if the North-East gets its usual quota of zero through final Open qualifying, it has still been the best week ever for the region's golfers. North-Easterners who have won on the European Tour can still be counted on one hand, so it's quite an achievement

  • Awards say thank you

    UNSUNG heroes who have made a difference in West Middlesbrough were preseented with awards last night. The awards were organised by West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust (WMNT) to recognise the dedication of residents who give up their time to help improve

  • Two youth service shadows

    YOUTH service worker John Tierney has two shadows this week as he is joined by teenagers eager to find out what his job entails. The citizen and democracy officer for Stockton Borough Council is introducing Emma Carr and Nicholas Butler to the work of

  • Coroner calls for changes to 'death mile'

    A CORONER has called for safety changes at an accident blackspot after a pensioner was killed in an horrific smash. Retired plumber John Horton, 72, from Boosebeck, near Guisborough, was hit at about 40mph as he attempted to cross two lanes of a busy

  • Dramatic rise in school results

    A SCHOOL which was severely criticised by Government inspectors seven months ago, is in line to win national praise, after bumper exam results. Bishopton Redmarshall Primary School, between Darlington and Stockton, was classed by school inspectors as

  • Camp visit for anniversary

    STAFF and children at a village school will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War next week with a trip to a former detention centre. Pupils from Peases West Primary School, in Billy Row, Crook, will spend the day at Harperley

  • Big performance at steam venue

    A JAZZ band will perform at a railway museum next week. Gerry Richardson's Big Idea will perform at Locomotion: The National Railway Museum, in Shildon, on Monday. The gig is part of the Durham Brass Festival 2005, a series of traditional and contemporary

  • Expansion plan

    A NURSERY classroom extension could be created at a primary school in Darlington. Darlington Borough Council wants to extend Gurney Pease Primary School, in Dodsworth Street. The proposals have been submitted to the town hall's planning department. The

  • More growth in store for Chips empire

    A VIDEO games specialist with stores across the region is planning to expand after increasing its number of stores from two to 29 in six years. Chips, which was formed in the 1980s, has stores in Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Darlington, Redcar, in east

  • Students overcome inspectors criticisms

    A SCHOOL which was severely criticised by Government inspectors seven months ago, is in line to win national praise, after bumper exam results. Bishopton Redmarshall Primary School, near Darlington, was classed by school inspectors as having "serious

  • The bargain of the century

    Euphoria at the success of London gaining the 2012 Olympics has quickly been replaced with horror at yesterday's explosions in the capital. At the time of writing this column details are still unclear as to the cause of the explosions and the level of

  • Nursery remembers the early days as it ends an era

    STAFF, pupils and parents have said farewell to a school which has been well-loved for almost 60 years. Albert Hill Nursery School, in Darlington, will close this summer and will merge with Gurney Pease Primary School. Yesterday, the school hosted a nostalgic

  • Honour for part-time student

    A COUNCIL groundsman has been named part-time student of the year at an agricultural college. Paul Findlay will be presented with his award this afternoon at Houghall College, Durham City, where he has completed his two-year HNC in arboriculture. Mr Findlay

  • Memories of a bridge

    THE only remaining bridge on a historic 19th Century rail line is being filled in as part of a flood defence scheme. And a time capsule has been planted by the local historical society inside the arch of the bridge, at the top of Norton Avenue, in Stockton

  • Rural care service suspended

    A MOBILE footcare service treating patients around south Durham has been suspended because of mechanical problems. No decision has been taken on the long-term future of the service, which operates in the Sedgefield, Wear Valley and Teesdale areas. Durham

  • School closure protestors

    CAMPAIGNERS fighting against the relocation of a successful village school last night pledged to keep the issue in the public eye over the coming weeks. An action group has been set up in Hurworth, where parents want to preserve the secondary school.

  • Town seeking Fairtrade status

    MIDDLESBROUGH is aiming to become a Fairtrade town by promoting the sale of imported goods - starting with tea and coffee in the town hall. The council has set up a steering group to investigate ways of increasing the amount of ethically-traded products

  • Sailors splash out for hospital baby unit

    STAFF at a Teesside hospital are on the crest of a wave, thanks to some fundraising sailors. The crew of HMS Marlborough, Middlesbrough's adopted warship, raised £2,500 for the special baby unit at the town's James Cook University Hospital by running

  • Russian youngsters show pupils some new steppes

    RUSSIAN youngsters aged between nine and 11 arrived in a Bishop Auckland school yesterday. Children from County Durham's twin town of Kostroma visited Cockton Hill Infants School as part of an exchange visit, and put on a show. The Russians, eight boys

  • Make a bloomin' effort says council

    DARLINGTON is stepping up its efforts to put on a blooming good show to impress competition judges. The town is aiming to reclaim the Northumbria in Bloom title this year and, as part of its campaign, Darlington Borough Council's horticultural team will

  • High note for psychologist

    BY day, Steve Jefferis is a North-East clinical psychologist working with adults who have mental health problems, but tonight he is the star of a sell-out night of electronic music at Newcastle's Quayside. His appearance is part of a three-day music festival

  • Jail term warning for drugs offender

    A DRUG dealer who sold heroin to an undercover police officer was told yesterday that he may be facing a prison sentence. Christopher James Earle appeared before Harrogate magistrates and pleaded guilty to supplying a £10 wrap of heroin to a detective

  • Soccer star Danny lends charity a helping hand

    A PREMIERSHIP footballer helped to raise more than £800 for charity at an event to celebrate the refurbishment of a North Yorkshire store. Manchester City and ex-England player Danny Mills, who also previously played for Middlesbrough FC, joined more

  • Pupils visit from Japan

    A MIDDLESBROUGH school is celebrating links with Japan as part of a European Union-Far East link-up. Japanese visitors will join youngsters at Tollesby School in a range of activities including silk and kite painting and origami. Next week's events have

  • Caring traders prove they are cream of crop

    TRADERS in Richmond have donated so many prizes for the mayor's annual coffee morning that a second event will be held. The first coffee morning, at Richmond Town Hall tomorrow, will be followed by another on July 30. The Mayor, Councillor Stuart Parsons

  • Bank says yes to term-time trips

    SCHOOLCHILDREN will get the chance to see more of the world, thanks to a donation from one of the country's biggest banks. The Abbey Bank has given £2,500 to Beaumont Hill School, Darlington, to support pupils going on residential visits. The special

  • CCTV catches man being abusive

    THE following cases were heard by magistrates sitting in South Durham yesterday; * Craig Weller, of Albatross Way, Darlington, was fined £60 and ordered to pay £34 court costs after pleading guilty to being abusive and threatening in a public place. The

  • £500,000 skate plaza will be world-class entertainment

    YOUTHS in Middlesbrough will have no excuse for hogging the pavement once a well-equipped £500,000 skate plaza is complete. Prissick Base will be the first of its kind in the UK and will put the town on the map for skaters and BMX riders. Designed by

  • Deadline set for council's recovery

    A COUNCIL rated poor in a national assessment has outlined a three-year plan for turning round its fortunes. Teesdale District Council, where newly-retired Durham County Council boss Kingsley Smith has succeeded Charles Anderson as interim chief executive

  • Appeal to villagers over identity of sex attacker

    POLICE last night appealed to a village to reveal the identity of a sex attacker. Detectives are convinced a pervert who struck in Loftus, east Cleveland, is being shielded. Stockily built and shaven- headed, the attacker, who has a distinctive star tattoo

  • Taking computer training into homes

    AN entrepreneur from Derwentside is unlocking the mysteries of information technology by offering first stage computer skills teaching in the home. Cheryl Hamilton, from Burnhope, aims to support those who cannot attend conventional classroom teaching

  • Wartime exhibit

    PERSONAL accounts of how people 'did their bit' to help the war effort on the home front during the Second World War are to be made public. They are highlighted in an exhibition being presented at Durham's DLI Museum, from July 16 to September 4.

  • Armed robber lied to family about losing job

    A REMORSEFUL robber who handed back some of the cash he stole and apologised to the post mistress for terrifying her has been sentenced to four years. Unemployed painter and decorator John Shields, 23, waved a kitchen knife at Wendy Reid and demanded:

  • Guild report

    Chester-le-Street TG: DOREEN Yeates welcomed members and guests to the first June meeting and introduced Les and Viv Howe, who gave a presentation on Celtic jewellery. Future outings were discussed and Edna Stokoe gave the secretarial report and Irene

  • House prices are falling fastest in Yorkshire

    HOUSE prices across Yorkshire have seen some of the biggest falls as the downturn in the national market goes on. Figures released by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors show the drop in prices is at its highest since November 1992. The figures

  • Knighthood for trouble-spots diplomat with roots in the Dales

    A DIPLOMAT whose family has been connected with Hauxwell in lower Wensleydale since the mid-17th century was honoured with a knighthood last month. Sir Richard Dalton, who is at present Her Majesty's ambassador to Tehran, was listed in the Queen's Birthday

  • Search stepped up as girl missing for more than a week

    POLICE have stepped up their search for a missing teenager. A dedicated incident room has been set up and 20 officers are looking for 19-year-old Jenny Nicholl. She has not been seen at her home in Richmond, North Yorkshire, since last Thursday. Police

  • Sun beats down on Burn Valley runners

    IAN Fisher of Otley AC won last Saturday's Burn Valley Half Marathon, completing the demanding course in 1hr 14min 12sec. The experienced runner is a previous winner of the race and finished 23rd in this year's London Marathon. The winner of the three-mile

  • Appeal for flood victims hits £15,000

    AN appeal by church leaders and other prominent figures of a North community to aid householders whose homes were devastated in the floods last month, has reached £15,000. Methodist minister the Reverend Sue Greenwood, chairwoman of the appeal committee

  • Racing mourns loss of promising young jockey

    KIPLING'S two imposters, triumph and disaster, are ever close in the racing world, although sometimes hyperbole leads all of us to describe simple good and bad luck by these two over-used words. On Saturday and Sunday, however, we had evidence of disaster

  • Candle to be lit for city bomb victims

    PRAYERS are being said at Durham Cathedral and York Minster today for those who lost their lives in the London bombing tragedy. Everyone affected by the bombings will be remembered in prayers said at each service in coming days at Durham Cathedral. A

  • Comment from The Northern Echo: How we defy the terrorists

    IT was not a question of "if" but of "when" London would suffer a terrorist atrocity. Indeed, it is a hard to believe that the capital had previously avoided such an attack in the four years since the horrors of September 11. We all knew an attack on

  • Pubs and clubs told to get a licence or no sales of alcohol

    Darlington could become a virtually teetotal borough in November if more licensees do not apply for a new licence to trade, according to the council. Pubs, clubs and off-licences have one month to apply for a licence under the Licensing Act 2004. Licensees

  • Owner of eyesore property fined - for second time

    A LONDON-based businessman is once again counting the cost of allowing a property he owns in east Durham to become an eyesore. Durham Magistrates' Court fined Ghazanfer Azam, owner of 9 Church Street, Haswell, £5,000 and ordered him to pay costs of £200

  • Dolphin revamp to cost £1.5m more than thought

    MAJOR refurbishment of a leisure centre will now cost nearly £1m more than originally estimated. On Tuesday, Darlington Borough Council cabinet members will be asked to approve the works to the Dolphin Centre. But they will be told the original estimate

  • Regeneration will still be his game

    A LEADING figure in the economic regeneration of County Durham for almost 20 years is to head the county's key business development and jobs creation organisation. Kingsley Smith, the retired chief executive of Durham, County Council, is to be chairman

  • £1m grant will help county ease school run congestion

    THE Government has allocated £1m to help North Yorkshire's schools encourage parents not to use cars for the school run. A total of 200 schools across the county will each get up to £12,000 to introduce facilities including new bike sheds and bus shelters

  • More and more farmers rely on diversification

    THE number of farmers diversifying in a bid to boost static farm profits has continued to grow. The annual Farm Profits Survey by the Institute of Chartered Accountants' has revealed that half receive income from diversification, compared with one- third

  • Drug user's failed attempt to revive friend

    A HEROIN user died of an overdose just a week after he started injecting the drug. Brian Owens, 24, died alone in a bedroom at the home of Danny Brooksbank after the friends agreed to share a £10 deal. Newcastle Crown Court was told how Brooksbank "cooked

  • Project to remember the pierrot

    A NORTH Yorkshire theatre group is appealing for information on a dying seaside art form for a historical exhibition. The senior youth theatre group at Richmond's Georgian Theatre Royal is taking part in a Heritage Lottery-funded project to produce a

  • 'Residents face huge council tax rise'

    residents have been warned they face a huge rise in their council tax bills following the Government's decision to cap their local authority. Hambleton District Council has been ordered to send out new bills to 38,000 households. The council set its tax

  • Trapped at home by river of sewage

    RESIDENTS found themselves trapped in their homes as a river of sewage flowed past their doors, triggered by torrential rain. Fed-up residents in Skinningrove, say it is the nineteenth time since March last year that raw human waste has poured out of

  • 12 years for knife attack boyfriend

    A MAN who tried to murder his girlfriend in an apparently motiveless knife attack was this week jailed for 12 years. Andrew Burn, 22, slashed Zoe Lonsdale's throat as she slept in their bed before stabbing and trying to strangle her. The violent attack

  • 'Most wonderful hobby' ends for fair organiser

    THIS year sees the 40th anniversary of Masham Steam Fair on July 16-17 and to celebrate this, there are going to be 40 steam engines on parade, more than ever before. Ten of the engines present at the first rally will be at Masham this year. The Woodward

  • Why we shouldn't shrink from sex

    Why are Brits so uneasy about sex education? Health Editor Barry Nelson meets a German reseacher who is trying to find out. THE strange case of the disappearing Euro-nipple says a lot about British attitudes to sex. In the European elections last year

  • Prospects brighten for Esk Valley line

    THE future of North Yorkshire's Esk Valley railway line is looking brighter after it was named as one of the country's first community rail routes. Following a pilot scheme involving five other lines throughout the country, the Esk Valley, which runs

  • Council apologises over polling blow for voter

    ACTION is being taken after a disabled voter complained he could not access a polling station. The man, who has not been named, was unable to get into West Tanfield's polling station. Hambleton District Council, which oversees elections in the area, has

  • Blackbirds rule the roost in garden warfare

    THOSE who blame the decline in garden birds on the rise in the number of domestic cats may take heart from the tale of the pair of blackbirds which, this year, chose to build their nest high in a broad-leafed evergreen. The tree stands by the party fence

  • GNER train service update

    GNER train services started running out of London Kings Cross station this morning. The company is operating a direct hourly service to/from London Kings Cross along the East Coast Main Line and expects to increase the frequency during the day. In addition

  • Battle against illegal camps and parking goes on

    A PARTNERSHIP set up to tackle anti-social problems around Osmotherley says there will be no let-up in the fight as it marks its second anniversary. Enforcement and education are the keys to tackling vandalism, littering, and illegal camping and parking

  • Minutes away from catching bus that was target

    The Northern Echo's Liz Lamb found herself caught in the surging crowds when terrorist bombs ripped throguh the heart of London. I WILL never know just how close I came to being on the bus that exploded in Tavistock Square yesterday morning. What I know

  • Pool prepare for Dutch trip

    HARTLEPOOL United's squad get together in full this morning for the first time since the Millennium Stadium defeat in May. While Pool returned for training last week, new boss Martin Scott gave a group of players an extra seven days rest. The likes of

  • Council motion against 'persistent complainers'

    TWO Leyburn residents face being branded as "unreasonably persistent complainers" and may be told to stick to council procedures in future. Leaders of the four political groups on Richmondshire District Council have put a special motion to next week's

  • The day terrorists struck at the heart of Britain

    MORE than 50 people were feared dead last night and an estimated 700 were injured as London became the front line in the war against terror. Terrorists - believed to be Islamic militants - launched a devastating series of co-ordinated bomb attacks across

  • 08/07/05

    ENDURING FRIENDSHIP: AFTER his injury, the unfortunate batsman Bertie Oldfield was quick to exonerate Harold Larwood of any blame, instead blaming himself for a poor shot (Echo, June 30). Matters could easily have been much worse, given that Oldfield

  • Cool comeback for the caped crusader

    BATMAN BEGINS, Publisher: Electronic Arts. Format: PS2. Price: £39.99. Family friendly? Yes: HOPES weren't high on this one. Consider the evidence: with the exception of the first two films, all the movies starring the caped crusader have sucked like

  • Grant will allow village blacksmith to expand

    A VILLAGE blacksmith whose creations include replica medieval torture equipment for the London Dungeon has received a grant of more than £22,000 towards expansion from Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme. James Godbold's Blacksmiths, Egton, has been in business

  • Why Nigella should stick to night times

    Nigella (ITV1): THE big TV question this week concerns Nigella Lawson. Is she an ITV woman or more of a C4 girl? And, perhaps more importantly, is she an afternoon or an evening person? Matters such as Makosi's miracle pregnancy (or not) in Big Brother

  • Out of touch Lumb dropped by Tykes

    It is back to the serious business for Yorkshire in their promotion tussle with second-placed, Worcestershire, at New Road. Yorkshire go into the game in fourth with a match in hand. It's a month since their last match when they clung on for a draw against

  • The monster that can be tamed

    As the country reels in the aftermath of the London bombings, Rhiannon Talbot examines who may be behind the attacks and how we can tackle the ongoing threat of terrorism. The tragic events that have been unfolding in London have brought home to us once

  • Expert: 'This may not be the end of terror campaign'

    A LEADING expert in Middle Eastern politics has warned that yesterday's bombings in London may not be the end of the terrorists' targeting of Britain. Professor Anoush Ehteshami, lecturer in Middle Eastern politics at Durham University, said he had no

  • Praise for blooming artistic talent

    ARTISTIC children have been recognised for their paintings. Emily Tuer, four, from Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, and Jordan Preston, nine, from Whickham, both won first prize in the Northumbria in Bloom painting contest. Their winning entries were

  • Maternity unit debate

    THE future of Guisborough Hospital maternity unit is to be discussed at a series of three public meetings. Langbaurgh Primary Care Trust has arranged the meetings at Guisborough Education and Development Centre, in Wilton Lane, to gauge local opinion.

  • Ahoy there! Atlantic rowing record in sight

    A TEAM of British rowers is set to smash the world record for crossing the North Atlantic this weekend. The crew of Nattie B are expected to arrive at Falmouth, in Cornwall, tomorrow or on Sunday, beating the previous record by at least 15 days. Crew

  • Ingleby Cross buoyed by Doyle's all-round skills

    THE weather accounted for all three league games last week, but both Walsh Cup semi-finals were decided. Cup holders Silton travelled to play Tickle Toby CD on the Northallerton Town Ground and their batsmen made good use of the favourable conditions.

  • Bedale traffic management strategy discussed

    COMMUNITY leaders have welcomed plans to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists in a North Yorkshire market town. A new traffic management strategy for Bedale will be discussed by district councillors next Friday. Improvements are being

  • A tricky decision

    FEW people would envy the North Yorkshire County Council planning officer facing the monumental task of preparing a report on a controversial application by Tarmac Northern to excavate for sand and gravel near the historic Thornborough Henges, between

  • Ban for woman who left her dogs to starve

    A PET owner has been banned from keeping animals for 15 years after a dog in her care was so severely emaciated it lost more than half its body weight. An RSPCA inspector visited the home of Leslie-Anne Rhoden in January this year following a call from

  • Bellamy finally departs, with a dig at Souness

    CRAIG BELLAMY last night signed for Blackburn Rovers, and couldn't resist one last parting shot at Newcastle manager Graeme Souness. The 25-year-old Wales international has been on his way out of St James' Park and, at loggerheads with Souness, since

  • Look for a York Mate

    MECCA'S MATE (2.00) shouldn't be underestimated in the opening five-furlong dash at York, writes Colin Woods. David Barker is enjoying a fantastic run with his sprinters this term, Celtic Mill nabbing Sandown's Group 2 Temple Stakes, Sierra Vista winning

  • Terrorist attack unnerves the City

    CITY traders panicked yesterday as bomb blasts shook London. The FTSE 100 plunged by more than 200 points but recovered later in the day, closing down 71 points. Some economists predicted that the Bank of England could move to cut rates in coming days

  • Showcase for artists

    MORE than 100 amateur artists will have their work featured in an annual exhibition which starts tomorrow. The 28th Ryedale District Council summer art exhibition will be held at the Milton Rooms, Malton, until Saturday, July 16. The event features paintings

  • Applause for Wynyard One

    Representatives from several organisations have visited the site of a former electronics factory for a progress report on its development. Leading figures from regional development agency One NorthEast, English Partnerships, Stockton Borough Council and

  • Attacks condemned by Muslim leaders

    MUSLIM leaders in the North-East have condemned yesterday's terrorist attacks, which were believed to be carried out by Islamic fundamentalists. Police officers visited mosques in the region to reassure Muslims they would be protected from any racial

  • New hope in fight to help terminal disease sufferers

    Scientists have spent decades looking for the "magic bullet" that could fight cancer - now technology is giving them hope that a solution could be within sight. Health editor Barry Nelson reports TINY "nanoshells" injected in the blood stream to home

  • Bar wins plea for later opening, but numbers remain pegged

    A TOWN centre bar in Darlington has been given the go-ahead to stay open until 1am six days a week. But licensing councillors would not agree to an increase in the number of people who can get into Bar Size in Skinnergate. This is being held at 160; the

  • More to come, says McClaren

    STEVE McClaren has acted to reassure Middlesbrough fans that he will be adding to his summer shopping spree. With just over a month to go before the season begins, Boro have brought in just Nigeria striker Yakubu and Austria defender Emanuel Pogatetz,

  • Quakers back from trip

    Darlington returned from training camp in Scotland yesterday and Mark Proctor says the trip has already put them in good heart for next season. While most clubs returned after the summer break this week, the Quakers began training last week and followed

  • Pigeons killed in suspected arson

    MORE than 80 racing pigeons died in a suspected arson attack at an allotment. Devastated owner George Skidmore, 72, says he cannot bear to look at the burnt remains of his pigeon loft, which was found on fire last week. Mr Skidmore, who has had two triple

  • Police hunt for teenager

    POLICE are searching for a 15-year-old youth from Middlesbrough who disappeared when he was being transported between children's homes. Jamie Christopher Williams, right, absconded when the bus he was travelling on stopped at a service station in Lancashire

  • Delight at arrival of school bus

    AN eagerly-awaited school minibus was handed over to pupils during a day of celebrations. Pupils and staff at St Peter's Primary School, in Brotton, along with residents, have spent the past year raising £10,000 for the bus, with children's charity, the

  • Prices at the markets

    BARNARD CASTLE. - Wed of last week. Fwd: 977 sheep. Lt lambs to 119p av 114.8p; std to 122p av 118.2p; med to 128p av 120.8p; heavy to 125p av 116.8p. Cast sheep: Suff £37.50; Cont £36; Mule £35.50; Swale £33.50. Tues. - Fwd: 66 cattle. Lim hfrs &

  • £12m town centre building work grinds to a standstill

    WORK has ground to a halt on a multi-million pound, flagship town centre redevelopment. Contractors have ordered their staff off the site at Teesside House, central Middlesbrough. Trenches for building-foundations have been back filled, one site cabin

  • Water good idea for children's performance

    YOUNG actors hope they are not swimming against the tide with their concerted call to protect the marine environment. Children from five age groups at Witton Gilbert Primary School, in County Durham, took part in a dramatic production with a nautical

  • Specialist status for four schools

    SCHOOLS' Minister Jacqui Smith has announced that four Redcar and Cleveland schools are among a new round of 194 schools achieving specialist status. They are the Sacred Heart and Rye Hills, both Redcar, Freeborough in East Cleveland, and Huntcliff, Saltburn

  • Crackdown on drink-related trouble in the town centre

    COUNCILLORS will discuss how to make Darlington town centre a safer environment for late-night revellers. Ideas include cheaper soft drinks, shatterproof glass, promotion of a designated driver scheme, proof of age schemes and test purchasing, among others

  • Pupils solve the crime scene scenario

    YOUNG sleuths were put to work yesterday to try to work out which student had closed down their school. Luckily for the budding detectives at Longfield School, in Darlington, the five suspects were fictional and the scenario was just a game. Thirty year

  • New home for charity

    A DURHAM-based housing charity is moving home. Durham Action on Single Housing (Dash) will from now on be based at newly refurbished offices at 32-34 Dragonville Industrial Park. Dash is a well-established charity which has supported single homeless people

  • United Utilities recruits first apprentices in ten years

    AN energy company is planning to recruit 27 apprentices to head off an impending skills shortage. United Utilities Operations, which took control of the region's gas distribution network last month, will take on gas mains trainees at its depots in Middlesbrough

  • Families furious over closure of dales community nursery

    FAMILIES in Weardale have been hit by the surprise closure of a nursery school. Parents, who have children at the private nursery in Rookhope, said they were stunned by the nursery closure, which left them just a few days to find alternative places. Rookhope

  • Heroin addict denies drugs supply charge

    A HEROIN addict accused of being a dealer has told a court that 23 foil wraps of the drug found in his house were all for him. Malcolm Davison, 30, denies possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply and is facing a trial at Teesside Crown Court. Yesterday

  • Launch of school's £658,000 centre for sports and arts

    COMMUNITY sports and arts facilities worth £658,000 are opening next week. The well-equipped development at Ebchester CE Primary School will be launched by Durham County Council chairman Councillor Ernie Foster on Tuesday. It includes a modern multi-purpose

  • Pupil's story of a bus to be published

    A YOUNG author has won a national competiton with a story about a bus. Sarah Goulding's The Easter Bus is to be included in a book published by travel operator Arriva. The 12-year-old, from Broompark, is a pupil at Durham High School. Her story will be

  • Blooming for charity

    TWO gardens will open to the public on Sunday to raise money for charity. The gardens, at numbers 12 and 13 Durham Road, Middle Herrington, are owned by father and daughter Richard Heron and Susan Winfield. Both boast fine displays of roses and extensive

  • Diamond celebration

    A COUPLE celebrated their diamond wedding with a family trip to York. Madge and George Walker, both 81, from Neville's Cross, in Durham City, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a trip to the historic city accompanied by their two daughters

  • Library work brings reward

    YOUNGSTERS have been rewarded for their efforts to improve their school libraries. The Junior and Young Librarians 2005 awards ceremony took place yesterday in Stockton Central Library lecture hall, when students from 12 primary and three secondary schools

  • US actor needed for stage play

    AN amateur theatre company is looking Stateside in preparation for its next production. Sunderland's Royalty Theatre's opening play in its 2005/2006 season is The Murder Room, a comedy murder mystery set in England, but written by US playwright Jack Sharkey

  • Garden opens at advice centre

    A COMMUNITY garden has been created on overgrown land in Hartlepool. The site, outside the West View Advice and Resource Centre in the town, has been turned into an area for quiet relaxation, with flowers, plants, footpaths and picnic tables. The garden

  • Brothers claim street shooting was just a -lark'

    A SHOOTING "lark" by a pair of brothers turned nasty when a nightclub bouncer was hit in the back as he prepared for work, a court heard. Magistrates at Harrogate were told yesterday how Oliver Lickley, 18, and his brother Jason John Lickley, 20, were

  • Talks on unit's future

    THE future of Guisborough's maternity unit will be discussed at three public meetings. Following the call for serious debate, Langbaurgh Primary Care Trust arranged the meetings to gauge local opinion. The trust, which is concerned about the low usage

  • Cathedral's special service

    THE day of commemoration for the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War is being marked with a service at Durham Cathedral. Veterans' groups will join civic and church figures from across the North-East at the evensong service on Sunday.

  • Don't give in to panic, says disaster expert

    AN expert in handling international disasters is appealing to people in the North-East not to give way to panic in the wake of the London bombings. Ken Rach, a disaster victim identification senior sergeant with Queensland Police, said: "Most of the anti-terrorism