Stories for 14 August 2006
The Northern Echo News
Tragic cave diver named
Police hunt serial flasher
POLICE are hunting a serial flasher after several reports of men exposing themselves to children and women. more...
Taxi terror
A CABBIE took a taxi ride to terror when a suicidal passenger grabbed her steering wheel and tried to crash it into oncoming traffic. more...
Not so glorious start to the 12th
THE start of the grouse-shooting season - the Glorious Twelfth - turned out to be a damp squib for many sportsmen and women on North-East moors.Those few who ventured on to shoots in North Yorkshire, Northumberland and County Durham were faced with cold winds and driving rain.And they managed to bag only small numbers of birds.Gamekeepers all over the region reported a devastating drop in the number of birds shot - a fall-out, they said, from last year, which was the worst season recorded for 100 years.Lindsay Waddell, head keeper for Raby Estates, in County Durham, and chairman of the Moorland branch of the National Gamekeepers' Association, said: "Very poor, mainly wet weather, over the last two years has polluted much of the ground, leaving the young grouse very little to feed on."This year, we have been left with almost nothing, except for a few pockets of old grouse, which have managed to survive. The result, as what happened in 2005, is that we have been left only a handful of young birds."Mr Waddell said: "It was a fact that we had the worst grouse shooting season for 100 years in 2005. "Since then, through careful management, we have been trying to build up stocks again."And although it has got a little better in some places, it will be a long hard haul before we can hope to return to some kind of normal sport next year."Mr Waddell said the first shoot of the season on Raby Estates would take place tomorrow at Pikelaw, in Upper Teesdale."We will have to see how this goes before deciding on any further shoots," he said.One shoot did take place in Upper Teesdale on Saturday - the official Glorious Twelth - at the Birkdale Estate, which is owned by a North Yorkshire business family.Shooters managed to bag 22 brace of grouse.But in nearby Weardale, no shoots have so far taken place at either Catlin Estates, at the Burnhope reservoir, or at Weardale Estates, further up the dale, near the village of Killhope.But a small shoot at Catlin Estates is planned for today.As he reflected on the Glorious Twelth, Mr Waddell described how he and his family sat outside their home on Saturday evening."Normally you can hear the pop, pop of the guns," he said. "But this night, there was not a sound to be heard. It was eerily quiet." more...
Thousands do a runner
MORE than a thousand runners braved the wind and rain to complete the Darlington 10k road race yesterday.They were joined by at least 200 hardy souls who lined the pavements to cheer them on.Among the 1,109 runners were John Slater, 83, and his wife Mary, 82, of Swaledale Avenue, Darlington, who finished in under one hour and twenty minutes."The secret is to set your mind to it and just do it," said Mr Slater."We're not runners, we just enjoy doing the race. We trained by running four or five kilometres, twice a week, and by walking and swimming."We've been coming for at least ten years, and we keep getting slower - but we'll definitely back next year."The race, which equates to just over six miles, was won by Stephen Hepples in 31 mins 4 secs - an average speed of over 12mph.The race record is 30.21, set in 2002.Mr Hepples, 26, said: "It's the first time I've done the race, so I'm pleased to win. "The wind didn't make it easy, but it's about coming down here and doing the business."Jon Orange, from Richmond and Zetland Harriers, came second in 31.56, and Gary Dunn, from Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers, came third in 32.37.Claire Robson, from Teesdale Athletics Club, was the fastest woman with a time of 37.26. Andrea Dennison, from Bradford and Airedale, came second in 38.18, and Louise Noble, of Sunderland Harriers, was third in 38.59.The race began at Feethams, behind the Dolphin Centre leisure complex, went twice round Woodland Road, Carmel Road North, and Coniscliffe Road, and finished in Houndgate.All profit goes to the Friends of Darlington Memorial Hospital and the Rotary Club of Darlington's appeal for the hospital's endoscopy department.Race organiser Jeff Dawson said: "We've had to adjust a lot of things this year because of the Pedestrian Heart scheme and the work at the Dolphin Centre. It's the first time we've used the course, but the runners seem to have enjoyed it. We've had entries from all over the north of England, as well as the Midlands and one group from Essex."Alan Charlton, president of Darlington Rotary Club, said: "The race is an excellent community event and we are delighted to be involved. Volunteers were here from 5am to make sure everything went as planned, and everyone seems to have enjoyed themselves." more...
Mystery of dentures in the deep end
THE hunt is on for a man with a toothless smile after his dentures were found at the bottom of a swimming pool.The teeth were discovered at the Hydro swimming pool in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, resting on the bottom in 6ft of water.The four upper-set teeth, mounted on a silver plate, are now under lock and key at the pool because staff classify them as valuable property.Now baffled pool staff are hoping that the owner will claim them.Pool manager Oliver Scaife, who has worked in the leisure industry for 14 years, said it was the first time he had encountered such a find.He said: "We do get a lot of property handed in but never false teeth."It has mostly been watches or jewellery, particularly necklaces."We keep these things in the safe because they are regarded as valuable property."Staff hope the teeth - which could cost hundreds of pounds to replace - would soon be claimed.The teeth are the latest unusual items of lost property to be found. Public transport operators have discovered things such as a 14ft inflatable boat, a coffin, false limbs and a lawn-mower.Mobile phones and books are among the most common mislaid articles, but also left behind have been breast implants, a jar of bull sperm and three dead bats in a container.The owner of the false teeth can call the pool on (01423) 556767. more...
Battles rage as ceasefire looms
HOPES for a swift end to the violence in the Lebanon hung in the balance last night as fierce fighting raged as the deadline for an agreed ceasefire approached.Israel's cabinet approved a United Nations peace deal yesterday, a day after the resolution was backed by their Lebanese counterparts and by Hezbollah.But doubts remained over whether the fighting would stop at 6am today - the agreed hour UN Secretary General Kofi Annan announced at the weekend.Under the plan, a 15,000-strong multinational peacekeeping force is due to deploy to the south of the country to help a similar-sized contingent of Leban-ese soldiers take control.But Israel has refused to withdraw before the troops are in place - and Hezbollah insists it has the right to continue attacks until they leave.There was no sign of a slowdown in the conflict as the deadline approached, with 30,000 Israeli soldiers fighting heavy battles with Hezbollah.Its jets also continued to strike Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut as well as petrol stations in Tyre - where it was claimed the death toll was at least 12.Hezbollah rockets also continued to rain down on northern Israel, where one of 200 yesterday was said by Israeli police to have killed one man in a direct strike on a house.Fears over the route towards peace were fuelled by the postponement of a meeting of the Lebanese cabinet to discuss the arrangements for the military force.Foreign Office Minister Kim Howells conceded at the weekend that it would be a "tough task" to get the expanded force in place within the next ten days as planned.It would be "almost impossible" to do so without a halt to the bloodshed, he added.Prime Minister Tony Blair has called for the hostilities to cease immediately and urged all sides to show "the utmost restraint".Britain is not expected to provide any troops for the UN force - not least because the armed forces are already being stretched by operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.It will provide logistical support, partly through the use of its bases in Cyprus.Organisers of a campaign for Parliament to be recalled to discuss the crisis will meet today to discuss developments. But a spokesman said he expected that the decision would be to press on with calls for an emergency session to be convened. Minster protest - Page 9 more...
Archbishop sleeps in tent
THE Archbishop of York yesterday started a week-long fast during which he will camp in a tent at York Minster to pray for peace and highlight the plight of people caught in the Middle East conflict.Dr John Sentamu has given up a planned seven-day family holiday in Salzburg, Austria, in favour of a week of sleeping rough and living on a liquid diet to raise awareness and lead prayers for the conflict between Israel and Lebanon.He said his actions mirrored those of countless numbers of people in the troubled zone, who are having to sleep rough and without proper food.Despite a planned ceasefire due to come into force today, vicious fighting was yesterday continuing in LebanonThe archbishop addressed a packed York Minster yesterday, urging people to join his prayer sessions throughout this week.To launch the vigil, he had his head shaved and was anointed with oil in front of his congregation at yesterday's minster service, with cathedral cleric Canon Glynn Webster using a pair of electric trimmers for the brief haircut carried out by the altar. The archbishop will camp at the minster and lead hourly prayers before his fast ends at 10am on Sunday.He hopes people from all faiths and walks of life will join him in praying for peace.The hourly prayer sessions will be held during the minster's opening hours. For the rest of the time, he will sleep in a tent in St John's Chapel.He said yesterday that while the UN and world leaders were at the forefront of peace deals, common people had a vital role to play through prayer.The archbishop is also urging people to give up a meal and donate the money to charities that are working in the crisis region.Dr Sentamu said: "In the Middle East, there are thousands of people sleeping in churches, bunkers, underground car parks and shelters in an attempt to escape from the bombs and rockets that are falling on both sides of the border."This act is a rallying call to people of all faiths and none, to encourage them to feel that there is something that can be done." more...
Family escape blazing house
A FAMILY escaped with their lives when a fire raged through the upstairs of their home.The four, who were asleep at the time, were saved by a smoke alarm fitted by firefighters only three weeks ago.According to a fire brigade spokesman, the blaze started when the youngest daughter kicked off her duvet on to a bedside lamp.The duvet set alight and flames soon engulfed the room of the house in Lewes Road, Darlington, at 5.40am on Saturday.After being woken by the smoke alarm, the father ran into his daughter's room, snatched her from the bed, and led the family out of the house.Eight firefighters in two appliances arrived at 5.50am, and the fire was extinguished by 6.20am.The fire severely damaged the daughter's bedroom, and the rest of the house is uninhabitable.The family are understood to be staying with friends.One of the neighbours said: "I was woken by the fire engines at about 5.45am."I came out to see what was going on, and if everyone was all right."I'm just glad everyone got out in time."A fire brigade spokesman confirmed a smoke alarm was fitted at the house three weeks ago, and that other houses in Lewes Road had them fitted yesterday.Les Greenwood, from Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We have been visiting homes across the county offering free fire alarms and advice on how to come out alive from a house blaze."In this case, the family followed exactly what we advised them. They got out and stayed out."The blaze came just over a week after four-year-old Thomas Shotton died in a fire at his home in New Kyo, Stanley, County Durham, which was not fitted with a smoke alarm.Anyone who wants a free fire alarm should contact their nearest station. more...
Keen footballer dies, three injured, after car accident
A KEEN amateur footballer has died after his car hit a lamppost as he went to collect a team-mate yesterday morning.Gary William Whitfield, 24, from Ushaw Moor, near Durham, lost control of his Peugeot 206 on the A167, near Durham, at 9.50am.He was on his way to fetch a friend from Spennymoor to play for Ushaw Moor Cricket Club's Sunday morning football side.His three friends survived the accident with minor injuries. Mr Whitfield was freed from the wreckage but died on arrival at the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham, leaving his loving family "shattered".The former Derwentside College student lived with his parents, Albert and Marian, at their home in Skippers Meadow, Ushaw Moor.His father said: "He was very easy-going and would do anything for anyone. He used to enjoy having a joke."He was just a normal young lad who lived life to the full. He did not even intend to drive, but someone twisted his arm. He needn't even have been there."I said cheerio to him when he went out. I cannot believe we are not going to see him again. We are shattered."Mr Whitfield was single and unemployed, but had worked as a resource planner for Carlsberg-Tetley before he was made redundant several months ago.He had two sisters, Ruth, 26, and Laura, 21, as well as a half-brother, Philip, 47, and half-sister, Jill, 48.Laura said: "He was really popular and had a great sense of humour."We got on really well and I am really going to miss my big brother."Two men from Ushaw Moor, aged 23 and 26, and a 19-year-old from Meadowfield were treated for cuts and bruises at the university hospital.The road was closed while the debris was cleared and accident investigators tried to determine what happened.Station manager Paul Knox, of Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue, said: "The passengers were out of the vehicle by the time we got there and they very lucky to get out."We found out later that the driver had died and were very sad. It does have an effect on us - the men on the watch were very shaken."Police are investigating and have appealed for any witnesses to contact them on 0845 60 60 365. more...
Threat to air base in leaked spending plan
BRITAIN'S over-stretched armed forces were last night facing a new threat after a leaked blueprint revealed plans to cut spending by £40m.Vital equipment will be mothballed, training and recruitment cut back and the future of the Dishforth air base, in North Yorkshire, placed under review.The Ministry of Defence (MoD) refused to comment on the leak but there was widespread condemnation of any plans for cuts while the Army is on major deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan.News of the blueprint, drawn up for the Army's Land Command organisation, comes less than a fortnight after the MoD announced it was sending 5,500 troops from Catterick Garrison, also in North Yorkshire, to southern Iraq.And last night Shadow Home Secretary David Davis called on the Government to send troops into airports to help with passenger checks and ease delays in the wake of Thursday's bomb plot security alert.Although more money has been found to help fund the armed forces' overseas commitments, the Land Command, which controls the Army's fighting capability, may still need to cut £40m from its budget.News of the shake-up came in a leaked document drawn up for General Sir Richard Dannatt, the commander-in-chief of Land Command.It says cost-cutting measures will see bases closed and exercises cancelled.It would also rule out the deployment of the Multiple Launched Rocket System to Iraq or Afghanistan in the event of a military emergency.The document concludes that the necessary cost-cutting over the next eight months would result in "severe impediment to the delivery of operational capability".Consequences would also include reduced repair budgets, the early withdrawal of weapons systems, reduced ammunition stockpiles and slowed recruitment, it says.The cash crisis had ruled out the building of a security fence at Dishforth, which houses the Apache attack helicopter fleet.The future of the base is now under review, the report warns.Dishforth, which is situated between Ripon and Thirsk, is a former RAF base and is now home to the 9th Regiment Army Air Corps. Its Apache helicopters are on operational duty defending British forces in Afghanistan.Other Army departments as well as the Navy and RAF also face cuts, the paper says, to cope with the cost of the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.Liberal Democrat defence spokesman Nick Harvey said: "If these reports are accurate, this is a disaster in the making."It beggars belief that the Treasury is putting extra financial pressures on the armed forces when they are at full stretch in Afghanistan and Iraq. We have no idea how long either conflict will continue, and these cuts seem highly likely to impact upon their effectiveness and potentially even their safety."Councillor John Weighell, leader of North Yorkshire County Council, said that to take away the Army's flying base would be disastrous.If the base was closed it would take a substantial amount of cash out of the local economy.And Councillor Chris Brown, who represents the Dishforth area on Harrogate Borough Council, said: "It would be a major, major blow to the area if closure went ahead."The Army was seen as the saviour of the base when it moved in five years ago.Meanwhile, there were calls last night to hand the Army yet another job: helping beef up security at British airports.The Opposition called for troops to be sent in after airlines criticised the British Airports Authority (BAA) over who is to blame for the delays and cancellations.BA chief executive Willie Walsh accused the BAA of being unable to deal with increased security, and budget airline Ryanair called for urgent Government action to stop airports grinding to a halt.Mr Davis suggested Britain should follow the example of the US and draft in the security forces to help out.A further 12 flights in and out of Newcastle Airport have been cancelled today.All the cancellations are British Airways flights in and out of Heathrow and Gatwick.* The threat to the UK posed by terrorism has been downgraded from critical to severe, the Home Office said early this morning. more...
Head of world's biggest prison
Leprosy has not been common in England for centuries. Yet in the developing world, it still affects hundreds of thousands of people each year and, apart from the physical scars, its stigma is often the most painful thing for its sufferers. One family has devoted their lives to helping people with the disease help themselves. David Roberts met two of them when they visited the North-East.DR Vikas Amte has not been to the cinema or theatre in years. The only film he has seen recently is Titanic, which was lent to him by a friend.In his native India, leprosy sufferers are barred from entering cinemas and theatres and, as Dr Amte explains: "While my people are not allowed in, then I will not enter until they are allowed."To Dr Amte and his family, the residents of the community at Anandwan, near Nagpur, in the state of Maharashtra, India, are equals to any other man or woman.Yet outside of their community many of them suffer from social taboos that prevent them leading a normal life.The community at Anandwan was set up 55 years ago for the care of leprosy suffers by Dr Amte's father, the renowned social activist Baba Amte, on 50 acres of barren land.Now it has expanded to nine sites over 300sq km and, in 2002, helped more than 60,000 people.As well as leprosy sufferers, the Anandwan community also supports HIV sufferers, illegitimate children, as well as people who are disabled, blind and deaf without speech.The community is founded on Baba Amte's philosophy - work builds and charity destroys.The work and beliefs of Baba Amte is being carried on by his children - and now their children.Dr Vikas Amte visited the North-East earlier this month with his daughter, Dr Sheetal Amte, to stay with family friend Mohini Kelkar and her family in Darlington.During their visit, they spoke to Rotary organisations about the work at Anandwan.Rather than sympathy, the emphasis at the sanctuary is on empathy and restoring the residents' dignity through work, they said.There is no underlying religious belief, other than to restore people's belief in themselves.As well as being almost self-sufficient, the colony produces clothing and food which it sells for profit.Food is produced from what was once a wasteland by irrigation and careful flooding using dams made by recycled materialDr Vikas Amte said: "My father said he is the head of the world's biggest prison."It's a social prison, because people are there for social reasons, not reasons in the eye of the law - they live in a golden cage."What we want to do is make it possible for the residents to return to their society."This philosophy has attracted attention from a number of public figures, including the Dalai Lama who has visited twice, and Prince Diana was due to make a visit before she was killed.Leah Pattison, the Angel of Nagpur, who left her home in Weardale, County Durham to work with leprosy sufferers in India, also spent time at Anandwan.Ms Kelkar said: "What attracted young people when I was in India was Baba Amte's approach."The people there were producing the best quality clothing and they were busy."Because of this they were earning money and paying income tax. No one wants to be a beggar."Now because they are not allowed to visit theatres, the residents of Anandwan have set up their own theatre, where people come and pay to watch them perform."It is my dream that one day we will be able to visit Europe with this theatre," said Dr Vikas Amte.* To learn more about the Anandwan project visit www.anandwan.org more...
Show traditions continue in style
MORE than a century-and-a-half of tradition was upheld at the weekend.Thousands of people ignored weather forecasts predicting downpours on Saturday to attend the 153rd Sedgefield Show, in County Durham.New chairman Ian Mason hailed the event a success and said it managed to blend traditional attractions with new features that helped draw crowds.He said: "It was better than we expected after seeing the weather reports."All the classes were very well attended and the gate was satisfactory."We organised a few extras to keep visitors entertained - a miniature railway, flower and craft demonstrations."The usual classes, activities and stalls were also popular again."Horse and pony and the dog show and agility sections were highlights of the day, and horticulture, home and handicraft and small livestock tents gave local exhibitors a chance to show off their work.The fur and feather tent was popular. Representing a new generation of competitors in the cavy section was Rebecca Metcalfe, a 13-year-old Framwellgate Moor School pupil, who won the Brown Cup for best in show.Since the 2001 foot-and-mouth outbreak, the show has not had large livestock. Instead, the committee decided to fill their place with a vintage tractor show. more...
Verge wildlife appeal launched
A CAMPAIGN has been launched to help save miles of roadside verges in a National Park.Parish councils and conservationists are being asked to help preserve the verges and their wealth of wildflowers and wildlife.Jenny Dicker, the North York Moors National Park's biodiversity officer, said "The verges are an important habitat for a great deal of wildlife."Volunteers are being sought to help look after verges and a leaflet has been produced to encourage local councils to take an interest.Ms Dicker said: "We have some lovely verges in the park and they are a haven for many insects, birds, and biodiversity in general. Many verges are remnants of old grasslands and woodlands and still support some of the species that once thrived here."They also act as wildlife corridors, enabling animals to travel between different habitats."Many roadside verges are no longer managed as they were in the past -cutting for hay and grazing with livestock."Getting the management right is very important. Cutting verges in full flower, not cutting them at all or making them too neat and tidy can reduce their value as wildlife havens."Ms Dicker added: "Their importance is often overlooked, but they are an absolutely vital part of our environment and heritage."They are full of flowers and history. Many verges line rural roads that have linked communities and countryside for generations, and they provide an important connection with the past."She said parish councils could help care for verges by mapping and surveying them to highlight the most valuable ones for wildlife, looking after the most valuable ones and letting the highway authority know of any threats to the survival of important plants and wildlife.The councils are asked to seek advice on how to care for their verges from the National Park headquarters at Helmsley, the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty office at Wath Court, near Hovingham, and Ryedale District Council.Common toads, woodmice, ladybirds, meadow grasshoppers, rare butterflies, and birds such as goldfinches, together with a plethora of wild flowers, are all to be found in the verges. more...
Sponsors can dine out on building project's success
ORGANISERS are making a meal of completing a building project.The first 200 people to raise £100 or more in sponsorship towards the £50,000 cost of putting a roof on a centre for Teesside's Chinese community, will be treated to a free banquet.A chef is being flown in from China to prepare a feast at the Lotus Garden restaurant, in Hartlepool, in October.Fundraiser Christine Blakey, partner of David Nin, the restaurant's co-owner, said the steering committee for the project has run out of money and needs more financial backers.She said: "They have done a grand job, raising about £800,000, but building costs are going up and up all the time. This appeal should put some community spirit back into the whole community.''Ms Blakey, senior development officer with Chester-le-Street District Council for Voluntary Service and Volunteer Bureau, added: "They have not got enough to pay for the roof. They need about £50,000, so I am looking at ways of raising money."So many people don't have time to look past their own front door. But if 200 people come for the meal, that is £20,000 raised.''Appeals are being made to businesses and the region's football clubs. Prizes will be given for the sponsorship event to raise the most money, the best and funniest sponsor activity.A charity auction is also planned.Middlesbrough is home to 25,000 Chinese and a community centre - with health services linked in - is essential, said Ms Blakey.The centre will offer a range of activities, including tai chi, art classes and skills for life support. more...
Football star in car smash
A FAMILY had a lucky escape after Newcastle United defender Titus Bramble crashed his high-powered BMW into the wall outside their home.Bramble was travelling towards Norwich on the A140 when the accident happened in the village of Newton Flotman, at about midnight on Friday.A Norfolk Police spokesman said that five or six people were travelling in the vehicle at the time, but no one had been hurt. No other vehicles were involved.Bramble was given a breath test at the crash scene, which was negative.Eddie Sargent, 55, who lives in the house, said he and his wife, Linda, 54, were awoken by a loud bang.The couple, who were looking after their grandchildren Archie, three, and two-year-old Rosie, initially feared the worst.''We just heard an incredible bang,'' said Mr Sargent. ''I got up to see what was going on - my main concern being for the people in the car.''The first person on the scene was an off-duty police officer, who told me he would handle the situation.''The car was full of people and they all got out and went across the road.''I never spoke to Titus, he kept a low profile. None of us knew who he was. The police handed us his details for the insurance claim and my wife said 'what a lovely name' and 'wasn't he good looking'.''It wasn't until we called the insurers that they asked 'Is that THE Titus Bramble?'''Mr Sargent said that Bramble's blue BMW M3 had careered into a street lamp, knocking it to the ground, before crashing into a 2ft high wall at the front of their home.Mr Sargent said: ''It is a miracle no one was seriously hurt. The damage is extraordinary. I'm just relieved no one was hurt."Bramble's spokesman was unavailable for comment last night. more...
Archbishop sleeps in tent for week to highlight cause
THE Archbishop of York yesterday started a week-long fast during which he will camp in a tent at York Minster to pray for peace and highlight the plight of people caught in the Middle East conflict.Dr John Sentamu has given up a planned seven-day family holiday in Salzburg, Austria, in favour of a week of sleeping rough and living on a liquid diet to raise awareness and lead prayers for the conflict between Israel and Lebanon.He said his actions mirrored those of countless numbers of people in the troubled zone, who are having to sleep rough and without proper food.Despite a planned ceasefire due to come into force today, vicious fighting was yesterday continuing in LebanonThe archbishop addressed a packed York Minster yesterday, urging people to join his prayer sessions throughout this week.To launch the vigil, he had his head shaved and was anointed with oil in front of his congregation at yesterday's minster service, with cathedral cleric Canon Glynn Webster using a pair of electric trimmers for the brief haircut carried out by the altar. The archbishop will camp at the minster and lead hourly prayers before his fast ends at 10am on Sunday.He hopes people from all faiths and walks of life will join him in praying for peace.The hourly prayer sessions will be held during the minster's opening hours. For the rest of the time, he will sleep in a tent in St John's Chapel.He said yesterday that while the UN and world leaders were at the forefront of peace deals, common people had a vital role to play through prayer.The archbishop is also urging people to give up a meal and donate the money to charities that are working in the crisis region.Dr Sentamu said: "In the Middle East, there are thousands of people sleeping in churches, bunkers, underground car parks and shelters in an attempt to escape from the bombs and rockets that are falling on both sides of the border."This act is a rallying call to people of all faiths and none, to encourage them to feel that there is something that can be done." more...
Superbike racers threill the crowds at weekend meeting
THOUSANDS of motorbike fans gathered at Croft Circuit, near Darlington, yesterday despite the wind and rain.The fans watched round ten of the British Superbike Championships, featuring stars such as Shane "Shakey" Byrne and Michael Rutter.But it was Japan's Ryuichi Kiyonari who remains top of the championship standings after he won race one and came fifth in race two.In a thrilling finish to race two, Leon Haslam won by only 0.09 seconds from Karl Harris. It was Haslam's first superbike win.The championship moves on to Cadwell Park, Lincolnshire, on August 28, then Silverstone on September 17, and Brands Hatch on October 1. more...
Bishop ends 72-mile walk through diocese
A BISHOP completed a gruelling 72-mile walk across the length of his diocese at the weekend and said: "I feel as fit as a fiddle."The Right Reverend John Crowley, Roman Catholic Bishop of Middlesbrough, walked from Hull to Coulby Newham, Teesside, in a week.He described the walk, which was punctuated with Masses, as a celebration of life.The 65-year-old had been accompanied by walkers on his trek, which took him through Scarborough, Whitby, Egton Bridge, Staithes and Saltburn.The bishop said last night: "I surprised myself. I think the reason for that is there was such a lovely spirit through the whole week."I do not think I had one word or murmur of complaint."Everyone was so positive and there were many positive features along the way." more...
Man arrested on suspicion of murder
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