Stories for 20 September 2006

The Northern Echo News

Nestle's jobs blow

Nestle has announced 645 redundancies at its chocolate factory in York as part of a shake-up that will see the Smarties brand moved to Germany.   more...

75 per cent against Tesco plan

Plans to build a supermarket in a North-East town centre are on the verge of being rejected after overwhelming public opposition.The leader of Darlington Borough Council yesterday said that if widespread objection to Tesco's plans to build a development in the town did not change, the authority would oppose the supermarket scheme.Tesco has drawn up plans to build a superstore, 130 apartments, 750 car parking spaces, a petrol station, and a new town hall for Darlington Borough Council. If approved, the project could be completed by 2010/11.But The Northern Echo can reveal that almost 75 per cent of people who have given their views on the scheme are opposed to it. Councillor John Williams said: "Based on the responses we have had so far, if we were making a final decision today, then it is clear the council would not agree to Tesco's proposals. "The responses at this stage show a clear majority of people against Tesco's plans. We are fully committed to getting the views of as many people as possible, and those opinions will count when councillors make a decision."After Tesco's plans were revealed last month, the council launched a public consultation to gauge opinion across the borough. But now, halfway through the six-week process, almost three-quarters of people who have given their views are against the plans.The consultation has included more than 20 roadshow events across the Darlington borough, with almost 30 left to come, and views have also been sent by e-mail and post.So far, more than 1,000 opinions have been submitted, and show 74 per cent of people are opposed to the scheme, with 21 per cent in favour, and five per cent undecided. More than 86 per cent of e-mails were also against the plans, with 107 in opposition, and only 17 in support.A Say No To Tesco group has been set up in the town, which claims the development could destroy Darlington's traditional character and market heritage. Market trader Robin Blair, from the group, said: "We have all been overwhelmed at the response from people saying no, it has been phenomenal. Very, very few people want this Tesco." Councillor Tony Richmond, leader of Darlington's Tory group, said it seemed the Labour-led council were preparing for a climb-down in the face of opposition - a claim denied by Coun Williams, who said the council's stance on the Tesco plans is neutral. Coun Richmond said it was essential the public continued to take part in the consultation.A report, based on the findings of the consultation, will be prepared by council officers and given to all Darlington Borough Councillors. Members will then vote on whether Tesco should be allowed to submit its plans at a full council meeting in November. For details on the consultation, log onto www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/tesco  more...

Wonderkid caught up in football scandal

A TEESSIDE schoolboy regarded as one of the brightest prospects in football was last night unwittingly caught up in a television expos of alleged corruption in the game.The agent of England youth star Nathan Porritt, a 15-year-old on the books of Middlesbrough's Academy, was secretly filmed by BBC's Panorama discussing an illegal approach from Premiership champions Chelsea.Porritt's agent, Peter Harrison, was filmed in a meeting with Chelsea's director of youth football, Frank Arnesen, in which he claimed the King's Academy pupil was "99.9 per cent certain to leave Middlesbrough".Harrison, a former Blyth Spartans manager, denied the accusations, insisting he was not a corrupt agent.At the meeting, also attended by undercover reporter Knut auf dem Berge, a UEFA-licenced coach, Arnesen said he was willing to offer Porritt £150,000 to lure him away.Arnesen said: "One-fifty thousand spread in three years and we can do it like a royalty bonus and this and this, salary we can talk about that."FA rules strictly forbid an unauthorised approach to any player at another academy.Harrison, who also made contact with Liverpool, was filmed admitting the Teesside club did not know he was touting Porritt to two other rivals.Middlesbrough last night confirmed they did not give permission for the approach. There was no suggestion that Porritt knew of the approach.Harrison, the head of Gateshead firm MPH Soccer Management, was also filmed saying he bribed Bolton boss Sam Allardyce by offering to pay money to his son, Craig.He said: "If I say 'Listen Sam, I'll give Craig some money', he'll say 'Yeah, okay, well do a deal'."The programme alleged that three Bolton signings - Tal Ben Haim, Hidetoshi Nakata and goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi - involved secret payments to Craig Allardyce from agents.In two of these deals, Nakata and Al-Habsi, the agent alleged to be paying the Bolton manager's son was Harrison.Harrison later said everything he told Knut was merely pub gossip and banter. He also said his payments to Craig Allardyce were legitimate.However, Bolton said they knew nothing about their manager's son getting a cut of the money in these deals.But Craig Allardyce told BBC reporter Alex Millar his father did know about these payments, saying: "Yeah, course he knew...I've never hidden anything."Bolton manager Allardyce has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and is believed to be consulting lawyers. He said he has never asked for or taken a bung and would not condone any breaches of the FA rules.Newcastle assistant manager Kevin Bond was filmed saying he would consider discussing payments from a proposed agency involving Harrison.Bond, number two to Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth at the time, told the BBC's undercover reporter: "Certainly, myself and Harry would be open to listening, in order to come to some sort of arrangement. Whatever (players) we need, we'll make sure we'll call you... and what you really want is that we call you - and only you."Bond, who did not travel with Newcastle to Estonia for last week's UEFA Cup match with Levadia Tallinn, has since told the BBC he was not interested in receiving bungs. He said no one he has worked with has ever taken a bung.Harry Redknapp is filmed allegedly "tapping up" Blackburn captain Andy Todd in the Portsmouth training ground canteen with Harrison.Before the meeting, Harrison said he was planning to tout Todd to Redknapp, saying: "He (Harry) likes Andy Todd... who's captain at Blackburn, who's our player and I'm going to see if he'll take him."At the meeting, Redknapp told Harrison: "I like Toddy, don't I? No, I'd take him. I would take him."  more...

Bomb blast family's memorial

THE family of a North East woman killed by a bomb blast in Turkey found comfort and strength at a national memorial service yesterday.   more...

Party explains suspension of Labour councillors

LABOUR tonight issued an explanation as to why the Party suspended all its councillors on Durham City Council.   more...

Pensioner dies after road smash row

An 83-year-old driver collapsed and died today after a row with another motorist over a minor collision.   more...

Richard Hammond 'critical' after jet car crash

TOP Gear presenter Richard Hammond was tonight in a critical condition after an accident involving a jet powered car at Elvington Airfield near York.   more...

Police hunt for duck killers

A MEMBER of a shooting syndicate has described his horror at discovering dozens of their ducks slaughtered by gunmen.The alarm was raised when a fellow member woke to find several severed ducks' heads on his lawn, 15 miles away from the original incident.The carnage was discovered at a pond near the Malton picnic site near Hamsteels Hall on Hamsteels Lane, just north of Quebec, in County Durham, on Saturday. Of 50 mallard ducks, only 20 survived. The remainder had been shot with what is suspected to have been a .22 rifle.Some had been killed outright, while others were discovered in pain and had to be destroyed. Syndicate member Paul Jones, 33, said: "I last saw them on the Friday night and everything was fine. "The following morning I morning got a call from a another member, who is a magistrate and lives in Fencehouses, near Houghton- le-Spring. "He was asking if I had been to the pond as he had found several ducks' heads on his lawn. "I was devastated by what I found when I arrived at the pond. There were carcasses all over the place. There were ducks bleeding in pain, flapping their wings."He added: "If it had happened during the day they would have taken to the wing."But they were shot as they slept with their heads under their wings. "Whoever was responsible must have used a silencer or they would have been heard from the nearby houses."Mr Jones said the culprits had taken ten ducks, while a further 20 either died immediately or had to be put down.The syndicate of half a dozen members holds about eight shoots a year.Investigating officer PC Dorothea Scales said: "Ironically, the ducks are actually game birds, owned and raised by a local shooting syndicate. "However, the syndicate's members are angry at the unnecessary cruelty and distress which would have been caused to the birds left badly wounded. If shot in sport, then the kill would be relatively quick and humane. Each duck is valued at about £25."No one has reported hearing any shots in that vicinity on Saturday or the night before, but we are asking anyone with information to contact us."Contact PC Scales on 0845-60 60 365.  more...

Hotel with added creature comforts

ONE of the country's biggest hotel chains has decided to offer pets their very own beds.Rooms with luxury beds for cats and dogs are being tested by Travelodge and among the first selected for the canine and feline facilities is the company's hotel in Newcastle, near the city's quayside.The move comes after a survey of Travelodge's customers showed that almost two thirds hated leaving their pets behind when they were away from home.As a result, the chain has now decided to trial rooms where dogs and cats can enjoy a luxury overnight stay with their owners.Pets will be in for some pampering as the hotel has ordered 2ft 6in and 2ft wide beds for pooches and pussies complete with mattress, pillow and duvets - all in Travelodge's colours.Wayne Munnelly, Travelodge's sleep director, said yesterday: "For a long time, we have allowed customers to bring their cats and dogs with them when they stay with us. Now we are adding a little bit extra for those who want to spoil their furry friends by giving them their very own bed.''The decision has received the backing of animal behaviour psychologist Dr Roger Mugford, who said: "Pets hate to be left at home alone and for people living a hectic lifestyle, it's a huge concern. "It can be expensive and stressful trying to find someone to care for a pet while owners are away."Hotels need to appreciate people think of their pets as family members and adopt a pet-friendly policy."He said the pet beds were "a great example of how hotels can cater for pets".Guests will be allowed two pets per room at a cost of £10 each per stay.  more...

Boro starlet caught up in TV football scandal probe

A TEESSIDE schoolboy regarded as one of the brightest prospects in football was last night unwittingly caught up in a television exposé of alleged corruption in the game.The agent of England youth star Nathan Porritt, a 15-year-old on the books of Middlesbrough's Academy, was secretly filmed by BBC's Panorama discussing an illegal approach from Premiership champions Chelsea.Porritt's agent, Peter Harrison, was filmed in a meeting with Chelsea's director of youth football, Frank Arnesen, in which he claimed the King's Academy pupil was "99.9 per cent certain to leave Middlesbrough".Harrison, a former Blyth Spartans manager, denied the accusations, insisting he was not a corrupt agent.At the meeting, also attended by undercover reporter Knut auf dem Berge, a UEFA-licenced coach, Arnesen said he was willing to offer Porritt £150,000 to lure him away.Arnesen said: "One-fifty thousand spread in three years and we can do it like a royalty bonus and this and this, salary we can talk about that."FA rules strictly forbid an unauthorised approach to any player at another academy.Harrison, who also made contact with Liverpool, was filmed admitting the Teesside club did not know he was touting Porritt to two other rivals.Middlesbrough last night confirmed they did not give permission for the approach. There was no suggestion that Porritt knew of the approach.Harrison, the head of Gateshead firm MPH Soccer Management, was also filmed saying he bribed Bolton boss Sam Allardyce by offering to pay money to his son, Craig.He said: "If I say 'Listen Sam, I'll give Craig some money', he'll say 'Yeah, okay, well do a deal'."The programme alleged that three Bolton signings - Tal Ben Haim, Hidetoshi Nakata and goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi - involved secret payments to Craig Allardyce from agents.In two of these deals, Nakata and Al-Habsi, the agent alleged to be paying the Bolton manager's son was Harrison.Harrison later said everything he told Knut was merely pub gossip and banter. He also said his payments to Craig Allardyce were legitimate.However, Bolton said they knew nothing about their manager's son getting a cut of the money in these deals.But Craig Allardyce told BBC reporter Alex Millar his father did know about these payments, saying: "Yeah, course he knew...I've never hidden anything."Bolton manager Allardyce has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and is believed to be consulting lawyers. He said he has never asked for or taken a bung and would not condone any breaches of the FA rules.Newcastle assistant manager Kevin Bond was filmed saying he would consider discussing payments from a proposed agency involving Harrison.Bond, number two to Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth at the time, told the BBC's undercover reporter: "Certainly, myself and Harry would be open to listening, in order to come to some sort of arrangement. Whatever (players) we need, we'll make sure we'll call you... and what you really want is that we call you - and only you."Bond, who did not travel with Newcastle to Estonia for last week's UEFA Cup match with Levadia Tallinn, has since told the BBC he was not interested in receiving bungs. He said no one he has worked with has ever taken a bung.Harry Redknapp is filmed allegedly "tapping up" Blackburn captain Andy Todd in the Portsmouth training ground canteen with Harrison.Before the meeting, Harrison said he was planning to tout Todd to Redknapp, saying: "He (Harry) likes Andy Todd... who's captain at Blackburn, who's our player and I'm going to see if he'll take him."At the meeting, Redknapp told Harrison: "I like Toddy, don't I? No, I'd take him. I would take him."Redknapp later denied that his conversation with Harrison regarding Todd amounted to "tapping up". He told the BBC he'd never taken a bung and that he'd given Kevin Bond no reason to think otherwise.Former Hartlepool boss Mike Newell highlighted the issue of corruption in football in January when he revealed he had been offered bungs by agents. His comments led to the beginning of the former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lord John Steven's inquiry into murky dealings in sport - to be revealed at a meeting of Barclays Premiership chairmen on Monday, October 2.Newell, now manager of Luton Town, named Charles Collymore as one of the agents to have offered him an illegal payment.In the programme, Collymore tells the undercover reporter: "There's managers out there who take bungs all day long."I would say to you, comfortably, there's six to eight managers we could definitely approach and they'd be up for this, no doubt."Collymore later told the BBC he made up what he said to find out Knut's real agenda.  more...

17 councillors suspended

LABOUR chiefs have suspended all the party's councillors on a North-East authority amid claims they breached party rules.The entire opposition group on Liberal Democrat-controlled Durham City Council is being investigated by regional party officials following complaints by local party members.The move comes just nine months before elections at which Labour hopes to regain control of the council, which it lost to the Liberal Democrats in 2003.The 17 councillors insist they will be continue representing electors and attending meetings.The reason for the complaints remained a mystery last night as both councillors and regional officers were staying tight-lipped.Group spokeswoman Eileen Rochford said: "It is an internal issue that is being dealt with by the region. We will continue to represent the people who elected us.''Group leader David Bell said it was an internal issue and group chairman Mike Syer declined to comment. A Labour North spokeswoman said: "The Labour group on Durham City Council has been suspended as a result of a complaint made by a local party member about an alleged breach of party rules."The spokeswoman said the complaint did not involve a breach of council rules or standards and the suspension would last until the issue was investigated. She said the group were still party members and arrangements were being made so they could "co-ordinate their activities".One of the 17, David Cummings, who has been one of the two councillors for Deerness ward since 2003, was given an administrative suspension in May - which is different to the action taken against the group and means his party membership is suspended.Councillor Cummings said: "I had a letter from the party in May saying that I was suspended but I have had no explanation as to why. I have not heard any more and it is now mid- September. I can't think why they have done this.''The Labour North spokeswoman said: "I cannot comment on the case. It will be heard by the National Constitutional Committee."When Labour was previously in control of the council, it was mired in controversy, with a councillor resigning ahead of moves to expel her and a police investigation into a deal to secure land for the city's Millennium development.One local Labour source said: "It is an embarrassment that this is happening now, with the next elections around the corner."Liberal Democrat cabinet member for finance, Carol Woods, said: "I guess it is indicative that there are splits in the local party as big as those in the national party."But Durham's Labour MP, Roberta Blackman-Woods, said the suspensions were a sign of the party "getting its act together and ensuring it has good quality candidates".  more...

Popular farm visitor centre celebrates its silver jubilee

THERE was a time when farming was just that - a purely agricultural enterprise. But 25 years ago - before diversification became a byword for the industry - a North-East farm decided to branch out and opened its gates to members of the public. This weekend, Hall Hill Farm at Lanchester, County Durham, which has been at the forefront of a growing trend, celebrates its silver jubilee as a visitor attraction . Ann Darlington won the North-East Rural Woman Entrepreneur 2005 award for her idea, which has seen visitor numbers rise to 65,000 per year.She was studying agriculture marketing at Newcastle University, when her father suggested opening the farm to visitors at lambing time.By the time Mrs Darlington had qualified, she decided to come home and run the visitor attraction. The farm attraction grew and flourished alongside the working farm, now run by her brother, David.Despite a severe setback during the foot-and-mouth outbreak when the business lost 1,400 sheep, five cattle, two pigs, three llamas, 12 goats and three deer, the business has gone from strength to strength.It has become the first in the region to be accredited under a new national scheme to increase schools' access to farmland.As part of the farm's silver jubilee celebrations, an arts and crafts day will be held on Sunday, with free admission to children under the age of 16. The farm is open every weekend from 10.30am to 5pm. For further information, visit the website on www.hall hillfarm.co.uk or contact 01388-731333.  more...

Paying tribute to war dead

THE crew of a Royal Navy warship with links to a North-East village have paid its respects to the dead of her predecessor ship.HMS Hurworth is on a four-month deployment in the Mediterranean - where the first HMS Hurworth sank during the Second World War.On Sunday, the ship, named after Hurworth, near Darlington, was positioned over the wreck of her predecessor near the Greek island of Kalymnos.Crew formed up and paid their respects in a ceremony presided over by squadron chaplain the Reverend Andrew Hillier.At the ceremony were John Birch, the son of the commanding officer of the first ship and mayor and harbourmaster of Kalymnos.Wreaths were laid by HMS Hurworth's youngest sailor, Stuart MacGregor, and Mr Birch.The original HMS Hurworth was commissioned in September 1941 and was immediately allocated to the fleet in the Mediterranean.It saw two years of action before it was sunk on October 22, 1943, when it struck a mine, killing 134 of the ship's company. There were 85 survivors.She was moving to the assistance of Greek destroyer HS Adrias, which also sank.Current Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Jason Horne, said: "The Royal Navy has a long and proud history of service in the Mediterranean."It is fitting that we remember those who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom and pay our own respects to the men of HMS Hurworth and HS Adrias who made the ultimate sacrifice."HMS Hurworth, a mine countermeasures ship from the Second Mine Counter-measures Squadron, based in Portsmouth, is conducting trials on her minehunting sonar.  more...

75 per cent of public say no to Tesco

Plans to build a Tesco supermarket in Darlington town centre are on the verge of being rejected after overwhelming public opposition.The leader of Darlington Borough Council yesterday said that if widespread objection to Tesco's plans to build a development in the town did not change, the authority would oppose the scheme.The national chain has drawn up plans to build a superstore, 130 apartments, 750 car parking spaces, a petrol station, and a new town hall for Darlington Borough Council. If approved, the project could be completed by 2010/11.But The Northern Echo can reveal that almost 75 per cent of people who have given their views on the scheme are opposed to it. Councillor John Williams said: "Based on the responses we have had so far, if we were making a final decision today, then it is clear the council would not agree to Tesco's proposals. "The responses at this stage show a clear majority of people against Tesco's plans. We are fully committed to getting the views of as many people as possible, and those opinions will count when councillors make a decision."After Tesco's plans were revealed last month, the council launched an unprecedented public consultation to gauge opinion across the borough. But now, halfway through the six-week process, almost three-quarters of people who have given their views are against the plans.The consultation has included more than 20 roadshow events across the borough, with almost 30 still to come, and views have also been sent by e-mail and post.So far, more than 1,000 opinions have been submitted, and show 74 per cent of people are opposed to the scheme, with 21 per cent in favour, and five per cent undecided. More than 86 per cent of e-mails were also against the plans, with 107 in opposition, and only 17 in support.A Say No To Tesco group has been set up in the town, which claims the development could destroy Darlington's traditional character and market heritage. Market trader Robin Blair, from the group, said he believed the council's findings were an accurate reflection of the level of opposition.He said: "We have all been overwhelmed at the response from people saying no, it has been phenomenal. "Very, very few people want this Tesco, they feel that way very passionately, and are showing that in no uncertain terms." Councillor Tony Richmond, leader of Darlington's Tory group, said it seemed the Labour-led council were preparing for a climb-down in the face of opposition - a claim denied by Coun Williams, who said the council is neutral. Coun Richmond added: "It is absolutely essential that the public continue to take part in the consultation into this development until the end of the consultation period."A report, based on the consultation, will be given to all Darlington Borough councillors. Members will then vote at a full council meeting in November on whether Tesco should be allowed to formally submit their plans. The plans would see the town hall, opened by Princess Anne in 1970, and the bus station flattened and replaced.The land would be leased from the council to Tesco in exchange for a new town hall, which would be built and paid for by the supermarket company. The replacement town hall would be built across the southern end of Feethams, between Houndgate and Beaumont Street. The supermarket's main entrance would be from Darlington's market square, and would have rooftop parking to compensate for the loss of the town hall and Beaumont Street car parks. The 130 apartments would be built on three sides of the supermarket, with views over St Cuthbert's churchyard, the River Skerne, the ring road and Feethams. For more information, on the consultation process log onto www.thenorthernecho. co.uk/news/tesco  more...

Hearing told of ex-teacher's 'failings' to manage school

THE former head of a North-East primary school faced a disciplinary hearing over management policies.Jane Patton appeared before the General Teaching Council (GTC), the teaching profession's standards body, yesterday, to hear allegations that she was guilty of unacceptable professional conduct during her time as head of Rookhope Primary, in Weardale, County Durham, from 2001 to 2004.It is understood that concerns about her management abilities were raised after she left Rookhope. She now works at another village school, Thwaites School, near Millom, in South Cumbria.Rookhope's present head Alison Aitchinson was called as a witness by the GTC, along with Brian Temple, senior auditor for the local education authority.Mrs Patton called no witnesses to the Professional Conduct Committee hearing, in Birmingham, where she was represented by the National Union of Teachers.Allegations referred to her involvement in setting up a private nursery at the 130-year-old school, which is one of the smallest in Durham.The nursery, which ran as a non-profit making company and rented space in the school, closed in 2003 after operating for only two years.The GTC claimed she had failed to produce a business plan for the venture and that the attendance fee parents were charged was not viable.It was also said she paid nursery staff from the primary's school's delegated budget instead of from the private company Rookhope Pre-School Limited.She also paid grant income into primary's school fund account instead of the nursery's account and failed to ensure that costs incurred by the nursery were not charged to the school account.The GTC also claimed that Mrs Patton did not set up and maintain financial control procedures for the school.In September 2002, she was said to have made arrangements for pupils' transport, which contravened the LEA's statutory obligation.And between October 2002 and April 2004, she organised building and maintenance work at the school without approval from either the governors or the LEA, and without obtaining estimates of costs.The hearing was adjourned last night.Neither the school's chairwoman of governors Brenda Lonsdale nor the LEA would comment.  more...

'I'm on the way back' promises Kennedy

CHARLES Kennedy vowed to fight his way back to frontline politics in his first public speech since quitting as Liberal Democrat leader because of his alcoholism.Eight months after his dramatic resignation, he told delegates in Brighton he would carry on campaigning for social justice, the redistribution of wealth and the devolution of power.Mr Kennedy, who received a standing ovation, said: "Politics is where I want to be and it's our politics I want to stay in."Pledging loyalty to his successor, Sir Menzies Campbell, and urging his party to stay "united", Mr Kennedy said: "The best is yet to come."Hailing the speech as "outstanding", Sir Menzies said: "You could see by the way he was received that there's great affection for him in the party."One bookmaker quickly made Mr Kennedy 2-1 favourite to be the next Lib Dem leader, while another halved the odds on a Kennedy succession from 16/1 to 8/1.However, despite widespread expectations that the popular former leader would upstage Sir Menzies, his 35-minute speech was - perhaps deliberately - low-key.Mr Kennedy did not mention the cause of his downfall, beyond joking that a political career was made up of "the best of times, the worst of times".To laughter, he added: "I think you can guess what the worst of times were."Mr Kennedy said he had vowed, when he resigned, to be loyal to his successor, adding: "Ming Campbell knows that has been the case - and you should know that is going to remain the case."The 35-minute speech urged the Lib Dem rank-and-file to be optimistic about the future on the back of gaining one million extra votes at last year's election - while Labour lost four million.The government had run out of ideas, while the Conservatives "make a virtue out of the fact that they don't have any yet", Mr Kennedy said.He added: "Those whom the gods want to destroy, they first make mad, so the gods must really have it in for Labour."Gordon Brown was destined to be either a short-lived failure, like Jim Callaghan, or - like John Major - suffer a "poisoned inheritance", Mr Kennedy predicted.Meanwhile, Tory leader David Cameron should beware trying to be the new Tony Blair because "the British people will probably say one is enough".Mr Kennedy also threw his weight behind his party's controversial tax proposals, urging the party to go further in switching to "green" taxes to target the causes of climate change.His support came hard on the heels of Sir Menzies' success in winning the support of the conference - by a margin of two to one - for ditching the 50p top rate of tax commitment. The result was a huge relief for Sir Menzies.  more...

Do you have a reservation, sir?

RED Indians are supposed to be more interested in chasing wagon trains than Virgin Trains.But that's exactly what happened on the wide open plains of Weardale recently as part of a new television advertisement for the train operator.The new commercial for Sir Richard Branson's railway company, which was screened for the first time on Sunday, was shot at Eastgate, Weardale, County Durham, in July. The advertisement shows about 20 Indians riding horses alongside a speeding Virgin train as a man relaxes on board, devising ideas in his notebook.But while they appear to be attacking the train, they are actually attempting to capture the ideas thought up by the man during his journey.An £11m diesel locomotive was brought to the rural hamlet, where the last regular service stopped in 1953. It was pursued across fields at Howl John by 150 cast and crew and 20 horses.The land is owned by farmers Herbert and Kathleen Hutchinson, who watched throughout the week's filming. Mrs Hutchinson said that she had not yet seen the advertisement, having been on holiday, but was looking forward to seeing the area in all its glory.She said: "You don't realise how much work goes into it - there were about 155 people to make a 60-second advert."It was exciting - certainly a bit different. They were very professional people."They used the tourist railway line because it meant they could put the train on situation when they needed to. They didn't have to restrict themselves."The crew were filming for a full week and the horses stayed in the fields at the couple's White House farm, while some of their sheep also appeared in the advertisement.Mrs Hutchinson's son, William, who works at the farm, helped the crew with taking down and moving props and fences during the filming. Elaine Stallard, landlady of the Cross Keys Inn, in Eastgate, said that the advertisement was the talk of the pub."Quite a few people have been talking about it," she said. "We saw them filming it - it was quite exciting."The train was running backwards and forwards and all the Indians were running alongside it down the bank."We went out and had a look at it. It wasn't far off the main road, so lots of people were stopping by to take a look."The advert has been tailored to three lengths for television - 80 seconds, 60 seconds and 40 seconds - and will also be shown in cinemas. It will run until October 15.Craig Inglis, Virgin Trains' sales and marketing director, said: "This campaign signals the launch of a confident new positioning for Virgin Trains. "There is no better use of your travel time in the UK than travelling on our trains, and we have brought that to life in a unique and exciting way with this campaign."  more...

Mother's murder probe appeal

THE grieving family of a murder victim are appealing to his close circle of friends to help bring his killer to justice.Jason Embleton, 31, died on Sunday, the morning after he was found with head injuries on waste ground in Cambridge Avenue, Willington, County Durham.Police believe he suffered a blow to his head and are trying to trace his movements on Saturday until the time he arrived at a house in Cambridge Avenue for a drink with friends.Mr Embleton's mother, Yvonne Ridley, is sure some of his friends know what happened.She was devastated to be told that it could be up to two months before police learn from forensic tests exactly how her son died.She said: "There was a post-mortem but it was inconclusive and it could take weeks."It has left us in limbo. We can't see an end to our grief. I am hoping that his friends will come forward and tell the police what they know."The injuries to his head were horrific. There is no way what happened was an accident."We can't bury him yet or even visit him in the chapel of rest. He has no dignity and we can't get closure until it is all sorted out."Mrs Ridley is being supported by her son, Neville, 27, and daughters Jacqueline Ridley, 22, and Mandy Brunskill, 33.She said: "We all miss him. He used to call in all the time."He had a lot of friends and they used to help each other out. They were his mates and he trusted them. I hope they will help him now."He wasn't a fighter. If someone had a go at him he wouldn't have fought back."I just hope that if anyone knows anything at all they will tell the police. "If they are holding back on anything, for Jason's sake, we want them to tell the police. Even the smallest piece of information might be worth something."Detective Superintendent Andy Reddick, of Durham Police's major crime team, has also appealed for Willington people to come forward.He said: "The response from the local community has been very supportive."We have had a lot of pieces of useful information coming in."A number of people have come forward to help with the inquiry and we are at present pursuing a number of lines of investigation."* A 32-year-old Willington man was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of murdering Mr Embleton. He was bailed until next month. Two other men and two women have been questioned and released without charge.  more...

Pupils told to stay at home as pest controllers move in

THE patter of tiny feet has caused the closure of a North-East primary school.Pest controllers have been called to deal with a suspected mice infestation at Coatham CE Primary, in Redcar, east Cleveland.Pupils have been told to stay at home for two days while experts try to track down the unwanted visitors.The furry invaders were first spotted in the school's nursery, but on further investigation there was evidence of more mouse activity around all of the school buildings.In a letter to parents, headteacher Sue Radcliffe said: "We have had a couple of sightings of some small, unwanted visitors in our nursery. "Obviously, we would like to make sure this problem does not spread to the rest of the school."Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council pest control officers visited the school yesterday to set traps.Ms Radcliffe said: "We are aware of the health and safety implications of trying to tackle this problem while children are in the school building."The two-day closure will enable us to do a full pest control check and a rigorous cleaning exercise throughout school."We are apologising to parents for any inconvenience this may cause, but under the circumstances, we believe this is our safest option."I think it is the weather that's bringing them in really. I have not personally seen any, but some of the staff have seen one or two. However, it was really the droppings that we noticed."We are quite an open site - we are not very far away from the marshes by the railway lines."From my point of view there is obviously a point where you have to consider health and safety and the welfare of the children."Ms Radcliffe said she had had a positive response from parents when she told them the news.She added: "They were very supportive. I went in the playground yesterday with the letter and explained to everyone and they were very understanding."Pest control officers carried out a full check of the building yesterday and no new sightings were made."There have been no fresh droppings. The staff have been working flat out cleaning the whole place," Ms Radcliffe added.  more...

Breaking news: Nestle blow to York

Nestle has announced 645 redundancies at its chocolate factory in York as part of a shake-up that will see the Smarties brand moved to Germany.   more...

Rural ambulance service granted reprieve

RURAL ambulance stations in Weardale and Teesdale have been reprieved by health bosses.   more...