Stories for 13 October 2007

The Northern Echo News

Snoop dog returned to equestrian home

A MISSING dog has been returned to its equestrian centre home after it was spotted at a kennels.Staff and children at the centre were delighted when Snoop, the pug-cross returned.It was found at Deerness Boarding Kennels, in Langley Moor, County Durham. Kennel staff were unaware the dog was missing, but a visitor helped to reunite it with its owners.The Northern Echo reported the three-year-old pug-cross had gone missing from Middleton Riding Centre, near Middleton St George, County Durham, ten days ago. Prior to arriving at the kennels, the dog had been taken to Newton Aycliffe police station, where it was eventually transferred to Darlington police station and finally Deerness.Kennels owner Kevin Forsyth said: "It was handy the dog warden said there was a pug-cross at Newton Aycliffe. It was a million-to-one chance that the owner got it back."Janet Valks, the dog's owner, had initially offered a reward for the pug's return. Now, she will donate the money to the kennels.  more...

Virgin boss bids to save the Rock

SIR RICHARD Branson last night emerged as the white knight riding to the rescue of beleaguered mortgage bank Northern Rock.The multi-millionaire's Virgin Group is leading an international consortium hoping to take over the North-East lender and re-brand it as Virgin Money.The takeover would guarantee the jobs of many of the bank's 6,000 staff, including the 4,700 who work in the North-East.Last night, Sir Richard said: "We wouldn't have got involved with this rescue unless staff saw us as a saviour."Of the 6,000 people who work for the bank, 99 per cent will keep their jobs. Some people will probably accept that they need to fall on their swords, because mistakes were made, but the majority have done an excellent job and we will need them to turn Northern Rock into a major banking force again."Chief executive Adam Applegarth would be ousted by chief executive of Virgin Money Jayne-Anne Gadhia as part of the deal.Virgin, alongside four other US and Asian investment funds, said it was planning to acquire a controlling stake and inject hundreds of millions of pounds into Northern Rock and repay its emergency loan from the Bank of England. Northern Rock would be re-branded as Virgin Money, which offers mortgages, credit cards and insurance. The bank would remain a single entity and would not be divided up, and the firm's charitable operation - The Northern Rock Foundation - would continue to receive a proportion of the firm's profits. In a statement yesterday, the consortium - comprising Virgin, AIG Financial Products, WL Ross, Toscafund Asset Management and First Eastern Investment Group - said the proposal is centred on the quickest possible solution to restore public confidence in the business and return it to profitable growth, and that a re-branding is the best way to do that. But there was a degree of scepticism from within the region, with fears being raised over the loss of Northern Rock's century-old identity. Northern Rock has been the subject of takeover talk since being forced to seek emergency funding from the Bank of England last month. Yesterday's proposal from the Virgin consortium is the first confirmation of interest in the group, despite widespread speculation. Sir Richard said: "I believe that if we're successful we'll be able to create an exciting new banking alternative for everyone in the UK. "I and my team have pulled together a heavy hitting consortium that we believe has not only the knowledge and expertise but the financial clout to make a once great British institution great again."We have the opportunity to make a fresh start and build a renewed, confident future for the business and its tremendous staff as a continuing independent public company. "We have confidence in the British economy going forward; and weare determined to preserve one of the last remaining truly independent UK-owned competitive forces in banking, mortgages and other financial services." However, the Northern Rock Shareholders association reiterated its desire for the lender to remain as an independent entity, and urged against it being sold off cheaply. Roger Lawson, chairman of the group, said: "As an irreplaceable employer based in the North-East, the staff, the trading partners and the local economy as a whole rely upon the company for their financial security. "Lessons will be learned and subsequent changes will no doubt take place, but let's get back on the offensive and remind all what good things this organisation has done for those who have had the fortune to come into contact with it."It is surely in the interests of all that the company remains independent."Andrew Sugden, director of membership at the North-East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), said: "In an ideal world, the 100-plus years of tradition Northern Rock has would allow them to retain their brand. "It is a major cause for concern in the North-East that Northern Rock's future is ensured, and if the way to do that is by becoming Virgin Money, then we would hope that the jobs of the workers at the company could be retained."The move saw the firm's share price sink to an all-time low of 132p and saw the first run on a UK bank for 150 years, as customers queued across the country to withdraw their savings. Yesterday, shares in the company lifted again on the back of the speculation, closing at 273.25p, an increase of 5.91 per cent.Despite Virgin's expression of interest, several parties are said to remain keen on buying the bank. Ten days ago, US private equity firm JC Flowers was said to be lining up a bid for the bank after raising £15bn in funding, and rival company Cerberus is also understood to be interested in the firm's assets.  more...

Judge criticises policeman for 'going over the top' in arrest

A JUDGE has criticised an officer for going "over the top" when he arrested a man outside a North-East pub.Film taken by Cleveland Police captured John Carling being grabbed by the officer and punched several times in the face before being pinned to the ground and handcuffed.Mr Carling, 43, of Lilac Close, Middlesbrough, was acquitted of committing a public order offence yesterday after the judge decided the prosecution case was inadequate.Dismissing the case, District Judge Stephen Earl said the problem spiralled out of control when PC Michael Barnes became involved. Judge Earl said: "In no way are you a saint Mr Carling, I have watched the way you acted and watched the footage of how you were arrested."The incident escalated when PC Barnes became involved. The actions of the officer were excessive in the way he decided to move things on."You were out of order in your behaviour and you were at risk of being arrested for a section five offence. However, you were not arrested and it is quite possible that you wouldn't have been, but for the actions of PC Barnes."He decided to step up the action. I think he just got stuck in and I think he went over the top. I saw no evidence of you throwing a punch at anyone."Mr Carling pleaded not guilty to a charge of committing a public order offence and was not needed to give evidence in his defence.Neither was one of his witnesses, who had flown in from Saudi Arabia where he works in the diplomatic services.The court watched football fans flooding past a heavy police presence,who had been manning a match between Middlesbrough and Hull in January, when the incident was caught on film.Teesside Magistrates' Court heard that Mr Carling was remonstrating with bouncers after his wife had been pushed away from the doorway of the Navigation Inn, Middlesbrough.The pair were approached by two officers and asked to calm down, but trouble flared when a third officer, PC Barnes, stepped in to try to sort the problem out.Norman Lawson, prosecuting, said Mr Carling had been arrested after he started shouting and swearing before becoming aggressive and throwing a punch at PC Barnes.The footage showed Mr Carling held in a headlock by the officer and punched in the face at least four times before being bundled to the ground by several officers and handcuffed. Mr Carling suffered cuts and bruising.Speaking after the hearing, Mr Carling's solicitor, Lee Goodchild, said: "This has been a traumatic nine months for Mr Carling. He was originally arrested for assaulting a police officer, but that charge was never brought and he has protested his innocence since day one."It is disappointing that the case had to go this far, especially when you consider one witness had to fly from Saudi Arabia for the trial."  more...

Success for quarry campaign

CAMPAIGNERS have won the latest battle in their dispute with quarry bosses who want to extend a North-East site.Hundreds of residents who live near Thrislington Quarry, in County Durham, are fighting LaFarge Aggregates' proposed extension.Yesterday, they persuaded borough councillors to object to the application when it goes before Durham County Council planners. Sedgefield Borough Council's development control committee heard the company, which has quarried near West Cornforth since the Fifties, wants to extend its operations by 78 hectares.It says it needs to excavate high quality magnesian limestone east of the A1 motorway - 30 million tonnes in 30 years - to sell to the steel and construction industries.Following the quarry development, LaFarge said it plans to restore the land with grassland, woodland and a lake.Officers had recommended that the committee does not object to the principle of the development - because the site is identified in the County Durham Minerals Local Plan - but to consider fears raised by officers and objectors.However, councillors heard there has been an unprecedented level of objection to the scheme, with 1,366 individual letters and objections from Bishop Middleham Parish Council and Ferryhill Town Council.They raised concerns about the impact on wildlife, amenities and roads.It is estimated one lorry will arrive or leave the site via the A177 every five minutes.The chairman of Stop LaFarge Action Group (Slag), Nigel Wiffen, said: "There are so many reasons we object to this."They include the increased lorry movements, dust, pollutants, noise. "We're quarried to bits, we cannot let our children and ourselves go through that for 32 years."Slag member Eric Potts said minerals from the site are more likely to be exported to prop up overseas operations than the UK steel industry.Councillor Garry Huntington said: "Someone has to ask how much of this is for our country's wealth."This will be a massive great hole in the ground for the next 32 years. It needs to be justified. Councillors voted to object to the application.  more...

Judge bans next week's strikes by mail staff

Further strikes planned by postal workers for Monday and Tuesday were outlawed by a High Court judge last night.The Royal Mail was granted an injunction banning the Communication Workers' Union (CWU) from going ahead with national walk-outs at the start of next week.Mr Justice King upheld an argument by the Royal Mail's lawyers that the union had failed adequately to comply with legal requirements to state accurately the number of employees likely to be affected by the action.The CWU had announced a series of rolling strikes from Monday, starting with mail staff, which would cripple post deliveries across the UK.The move came as both sides in the increasingly bitter dispute continued to hold talks in a bid to resolve the row over pay, jobs and pensions.The union did not seek immediate permission to appeal against the judge's ruling - which was in the form of an "interim" injunction - but may return to court next week.Wildcat strikes continued yesterday in London and Liverpool and spread to parts of Scotland as fresh disputes broke out following two 48-hour official strikes last week.Mail deliveries were badly affected in the areas where the unofficial strikes were held, although Royal Mail said most of its staff were now back at work.The two sides met again yesterday at the TUC headquarters in central London.  more...

Shoppers' paradise celebrates 21st year

ONCE the site of a power station's waterlogged ash dump, the land was transformed into a shopping mecca that changed the face of retailing in the North-East.The Gateshead MetroCentre - still the largest shopping centre in Europe - attracts 24 million visitors a year and continues to be a catalyst for regeneration, with a workforce of more than 7,000. As the complex prepares to mark its 21st birthday this weekend, business and community leaders spoke of its impact on the region. The aim of Cameron Hall, the original developer, was to provide a shopping and leisure centre that combined the "best of North American innovation with centuries of European shopping tradition". The site had a potential catchment of 1.5 million people within a 30-minute drive time, and three million within one hour. In 1981, the area was chosen as one of the first Enterprise Zones in the UK and plans for the scheme were unveiled in May 1982. In November 1984, Marks & Spencer announced it would be opening its first out-of-town store there. In February 1985, the first girders were slotted into place and House of Fraser, a ten-screen multi-cinema complex and other big names, including the Burton Group, Northern Goldsmiths and Bhs, joined the scheme. In October the same year, the Church Commissioners announced they were providing the long-term development capital.The first malls were officially opened on October 14, 1986.In neigbouring Derwentside, County Durham, there was a 70 per cent loss of trade to the MetroCentre. Council leader Councillor Alex Watson said: "It had a significant effect, not just on our town centres but at other towns throughout the region." He said the council was hoping to attract at least five per cent of that trade back with two planned retail parks. Gateshead Council leader Councillor Mick Henry said: "The MetroCentre completely transformed an area of huge dereliction and created the kind of high-quality retail facilities never before seen in the North-East."MetroCentre had a major impact on Gateshead - it helped put the borough on the international map, created thousands of jobs for local people and helped to stimulate the wider regeneration of the borough."Andrew Sugden, director of membership at the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: "The MetroCentre certainly transformed the retail experience for customers when it was opened and some town centres certainly found that a challenge. "However, we see in many parts of the region a very strong retail presence in our towns and city centres - as well as the MetroCentre."Capital Shopping Centres bought 90 per cent of the MetroCentre from the Church Commissioners in 1995 for £364m and today it is valued at more than £1bn. Recent investments of more than £100m have resulted in the new Red Mall, making use of the redundant Asda store and bringing in Debenhams and 20 other retailers. Next month, management hopes to begin work on a £45m modernisation programme. It includes the relocation of the cinema to the Yellow Mall and a new family entertainment centre, with a bowling alley, dodgems and arcade games - as well as new restaurants. Centre managing director Barry Turnbull said: "It is not really a case of physical expansion, but more one of change. Every shopping centre needs to develop and grow." The celebrations will culminate tomorrow with a free firework spectacular in the coach park at 7pm.  more...

Calls for all soldiers to feature on memorial

THE inclusion on the Armed Forces Memorial of soldiers who died in training has been welcomed.The names of at least four soldiers who died while at the Infantry Training Centre (ITC) at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, have been carved on the circle.A further 15 soldiers who attended the training centre have been recognised in the Roll of Honour.The roll is a separate feature of the Armed Forces Memorial project which, for the Army, is kept at the Chapel of the Royal Chelsea Hospital.The list includes the names of all personnel who have died in service since the end of the Second World War - regardless of the cause of death.Lynn Farr set up Daniel's Trust to support bullied soldiers after her son, Daniel, died in unusual circumstances at the ITC in 1997.Daniel Farr's name is not included on the memorial, but is listed in the roll.Mrs Farr said: "I think it's brilliant that the families of the soldiers included on the memorial have finally got recognition."It would have been great if every soldier who died could have been on the wall, but today is about those families whose loved ones are included."We can ask what criteria was used to decide which names went where another day."Lembit Opik MP has written to Defence Secretary Des Browne asking why recruits who died in suspicious circumstances at the Deepcut Army barracks, in Surrey, are not listed on the memorial.The Liberal Democrat says four soldiers, including 17-year-old Private Geoff Gray, from Seaham, County Durham, should be commemorated on the circle.A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said deaths of a self-inflicted nature, whether proven or suspected, were treated in a similar manner to deaths by natural causes.  more...

Post-war casualties remembered at last

A memorial honouring the thousands of servicemen and women killed since the end of the Second World War was unveiled yesterday in a dedication attended by the Queen.The Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall joined her at the ceremony for the new National Armed Forces Memorial, which pays tribute to members of the UK's Armed Forces killed on duty or as a result of terrorist action since 1948.Prime Minister Gordon Brown, MPs and service personnel watched as the royal party toured the memorial and spoke with families of those whose names appear or are about to be carved into the memorial's Portland stone walls.The Queen paused to examine the name of her cousin, Earl Mountbatten, who was killed by a Provisional IRA bomb in Ireland in 1979.There are nearly 16,000 names carved on the memorial, at the National Memorial Arboretum, in Alrewas, Staffordshire, with space for 15,000 more.It includes those who have died in Palestine, Korea, Malaysia, the Falklands, Iraq, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland.Nearly £7m has been donated by the public to build the memorial, but a further £1m must be raised to ensure it can be maintained.During the service, family and friends of some of those killed in conflict read a tribute to their loved ones.Nine-year-old Georgina Chapman, whose father, Darren Chapman, was killed in Iraq in May last year, read out a letter she had written for her "Daddy up in heaven".She said: "I am having a very nice time at school with all my friends."Opening the ceremony, Vice-Admiral Sir John Dunt, chairman of the Armed Forces Memorial Trustees, said: "I hope that those who have been bereaved and colleagues of those whose names are engraved find this a fitting place to remember and reflect."There will be sorrow for family and friends who come here, but I hope they will also be uplifted and proud - proud that these men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice have done so by serving their country."Many families of those whose names appear on the stone walls of the memorial attended the ceremony.Among them was Maureen Norton, whose brother, Terence Griffin, was on leave from serving in Northern Ireland when he was killed by a bomb that exploded on a coach carrying service personnel and their families on the M62 motorway in 1974.The 54-year-old, from Wigan, Greater Manchester, was introduced to the royal party.In a statement published in the ceremony's programme, Prince Charles said: "The scale of this memorial is a poignant reminder to us all of the continuing cost of the democracy and freedom we enjoy, as well as the constant sacrifices being made on our behalf around the world."  more...

High-profile lawyers hired by disinherited daughter

ONE of the highest-profile law firms in the country has been recruited in the battle over a disputed £1.25m will.Mishcon de Reya was catapulted into the public spotlight when they represented Diana, Princess of Wales, in her divorce from Prince Charles, which was finalised in 1996.They are also representing Heather Mills in her multi-million pound battle with former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, and last summer they were taken on by former Arsenal star Thierry Henry to handle his divorce.Now the firm has been instructed by Dr Christine Gill, the North Yorkshire woman who has launched a legal battle for a share of her parents' wealth.She was left devastated after her parents' death to discover their bequests excluded her and the family farm, Potto Carr, at Potto, near Northallerton, had been left to the RSPCA.She has been trying to negotiate with the charity since discovering the contents of her mother's will in August last year.Her father, who died in 1999, left everything to his wife, who in turn left the whole estate to the animal charity.Dr Gill, who has a ten-year-old son, Christopher, with her husband, Andrew, did not receive a penny - despite spending years caring for her parents, living next door and helping out on the farm. Yesterday, a spokesman for Mischon de Reya said they had no comment to make on the case at this stage.However, Dr Gill told The Northern Echo: "I have instructed Mischon de Reya and they have advised me it would be inappropriate for me to make any comment at this time."They have just taken up the case and need time to get to grips with the matter."The RSPCA has declined to comment, although it said it hoped the situation could be resolved without going to court. The farm, which covers 275 acres and has a range of farm buildings and 30 acres of woodland, has gone on the market and is being advertised for sale, through the York office of Savills, for offers in excess of £1.25m.It is understood that, under the 1975 UK Inheritance Act, Dr Gill has until Monday to lodge court papers for a legal challenge.  more...

Drunken women ran amok on late-night train - court

TWO drunken young women ran amok on a late train service, picking on passengers and damaging property.Such was the behaviour of Emma Margaret Richards and Claire Natalie Howell, who were returning to Darlington after a night out on Tyneside, that British Transport Police were alerted within minutes of the 1.40am Trans-Pennine express leaving Newcastle.Durham Crown Court heard that the departure was delayed as someone pulled the train's cord, while two young women and a man were seen going up and down banging on doors.David Crook, prosecuting, said Howell and Richards pulled down curtains and seat covers in first-class carriages, running round wearing them on their heads.They turned their attentions on a passenger, an American man said to be heading to an airport to fly to Afghanistan.Richards swore at him, took biscuits and chocolates from his table, eating some and throwing others.They also took paperwork and removed his glasses, throwing them round the carriage.Mr Crook said they both punched his head, even though he did nothing to provoke the attack or attempt any form of retaliation.When police boarded at Durham, Howell made a cut-throat gesture at a passenger suspected of informing the authorities of their actions.Howell and Richards were pointed out to the officers and they were arrested.Mr Crooks said the cost of the damage was estimated at £500.They denied the extent of the damage, although Richards admitted removing head rest covers.Mr Crooks added: "It was unprovoked, humiliating and degrading to the victim and unpleasant for witnesses."Twenty-two-year-old Howell and Richards, 21, both previously admitted affray.Howell, of Bob Harrison Court, Darlington, failed to turn for a previous hearing and a warrant was issued for her arrest.David Callan, for Richards, a mother of a young child, of Salisbury Terrace, Darlington, said she is "amazed" at her bad behaviour."It was alcohol-induced. When sober she's a responsible, caring young woman."Judge Guy Whitburn told her: "You were seriously drunk and this was a serious affray."  more...

Fans travel from far and wide for Herriot convention

FANS of vet James Herriot have travelled across the world to his home town to pay homage to him.The second James Herriot convention is being held in the North Yorkshire town of Thirsk, where the vet worked.The event, hosted by The World of James Herriot centre, in Thirsk, takes place over three days.Janet Watson, visitor services officer at The World of James Herriot, said: "There will about 50 people visiting the area for the Herriot convention."We have got our first Herriot fans from Sweden plus others from Canada, the US, Belgium, Ireland and the UK. It's also nice that delegates who came last year have returned."Hopefully, we will build on last year's success and make this convention the best one yet."The visitors will tour Thirsk and North Yorkshire to view places linked with Herriot - the pen name of author Alf Wight.They will hear a talk by photographer Derry Brabbs, who took pictures for the book, James Herriot's Yorkshire. The vet's son, Jim Wight, will also give a talk. There is a screening of the 1975 film All Creatures Great and Small, starring Simon Ward, and John Crooks, the first paid assistant at Sinclair and Wight Veterinary Practice, will be a guest. He is the only person mentioned by his real name in the books.  more...

MPs launch campaign against 'Son of Star Wars'

MPs launched a campaign yesterday to block the region's growing involvement in the US controversial "Son of Star Wars" missile defence project.A group of Liberal Democrats tabled a parliamentary motion demanding a "full and open" debate about the go-ahead for Washington to use RAF Menwith Hill, near Harrogate.They condemned Gordon Brown for making the announcement on a busy July day - despite an earlier Government promise that it would be discussed in the Commons.The approval was revealed in one of no fewer than 46 written statements, issued a day before MPs left Westminster for their summer recess.Yet, five months earlier, former Prime Minister Tony Blair, when questioned in the Commons, pledged a proper debate.The move means both US bases in North Yorkshire will play a role in the multi-billion dollar project, designed to knock out nuclear warheads before they reach the US.RAF Fylingdales, south of Whitby, has been upgraded with early-warning radar equipment, which was switched on during the summer.The satellite ground station at Menwith Hill will monitor satellite warnings of potentially hostile missile launches.Opponents have warned that Britain's involvement would make this country a potential target if a rogue state decided to attack the US with ballistic missiles.The motion, co-sponsored by Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Phil Willis, says MPs have serious concerns about the use of Menwith Hill.It adds: "This House calls for a full and open debate about UK involvement with the US ballistic missile defence programme."Parliamentary motions are not discussed in the Commons, but are a mechanism for MPs to push issues up the political agenda.Although the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has insisted both bases "remain under UK command", the equipment at Menwith Hill will be "operated by the US Government".The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) described the decision as "outrageous" and accused ministers of deceiving the public.But the MoD has insisted that the necessary antenna equipment exists at Menwith Hill, which means the only extra installation will be communications hardware. In his July statement, Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "Missile defence systems are just that - defensive. They are not for offensive use."By supporting American efforts in this area, both through scientific cooperation and by allowing the use of facilities in the UK, we are helping to build future protection for our citizens."The Defence Secretary said Britain had no plans to site ground-based missile interceptors in the UK. They are earmarked for either Poland or the Czech Republic - to Russia's fury.  more...

Tribute to Russia mission scientist

TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Government scientist who was awarded an OBE for his top secret work in the former Soviet Union.David Senior of Leyburn, North Yorkshire, was dispatched to Moscow in 1960 - the first British scientist to be sent to the area. He was responsible for ensuring a fair exchange of scientific developments was held between the two nations. Although it was largely top secret work, Mr Senior's widow, Sheila, became involved by throwing lavish cocktail parties for dignitaries from both sides of the Iron Curtain. "It was a glamorous time," Mrs Senior said. "And very exciting, but it was hard work as well, keeping large groups happy like that."On leaving Russia in the autumn of 1962, Mr Senior was awarded the OBE, presented by the Queen Mother as Queen Elizabeth was busy rearing her young family.Fluent in French and Russian, Mr Senior had graduated top of his year group at Cambridge University, after being awarded a Starred First-class Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was drafted into the Army, and worked on confidential projects throughout the Second World War. After the end of the conflict, Mr Senior was tasked with adapting the sonar technology pioneered in submarines to benefit the British fishing fleet. He completed that, for the first time enabling fisherman to 'see' their catch deep beneath the waves.Mrs Senior said: "He could have gone into industry and made a great deal of money, but he was far too interested in getting the job done than making money. He was fascinated by making advances in science."This work led to his Russian assignment, and the couple later moved to Paris.Eventually they came to reside in the Yorkshire Dales, first Middleham and then Leyburn, where Mr Senior became involved in amateur dramatics, the Wensleydale Tournament of Song and was many times Father Christmas in the market town. Mrs Senior said: "We always loved the Dales, we loved walking and we loved the Dales people. "David was asthmatic, but he could breath here in the Dales. "We had such a wonderful life together."Mr Senior was a devout Quaker, so much so that after taking early retirement at 55, he set about establishing a Quaker office in Brussels, Belgium, to influence the newly-formed European Economic Community - an office that still operates today. He died in his sleep on Monday after a heart-related illness, aged 84. Following a private cremation, there will be a service of thanksgiving at Bainbridge Meeting House on Wednesday, October 17 at noon. Friends are welcome.   more...

Fundraisers pull together for meningitis girl

FORGET England's crucial World Cup qualifier - there is only one team to watch today.A team of women, in full football kit, are raising money for a girl who lost her hands and toes when she contracted meningitis in January.The squad of 19 will be collecting money in pubs in Crook, for Tilly Lockey, of Delves Lane, Consett, who celebrated her second birthday last weekend.Tilly spent weeks in hospital and her parents, Sarah, 28, and Adam, 27, were told she had little chance of survival after she had to have ten blood transfusions.But she was home after four weeks.The fundraiser was the idea of Jane Hutchinson, 38, of Cedar Gardens, Crook, whose 13-year-old daughter, Alishia Clement, is taught by Tilly's father at Parkside School, in Willington. She said: "I thought it would be fun if we dressed up. My dad came up with the idea of football strips and it went from there."The collection will start at the Old Horse Shoe, in Church Street, at about 7.30pm.Cadets from Consett fire station are also planning a fundraising effort for Tilly, in the form of a fire engine pull.Firefighter Steve Hodgson said: "When we heard about what happened to Tilly we were very moved. Everyone at the station wants to do what they can to help."  more...

England crush Estonia

Wayne Rooney broke his England goal drought to help the home side crush Estonia this afternoon.   more...

Teacher collapses and dies at open evening

A NORTH Yorkshire school is in mourning after a teacher collapsed during an open evening.   more...

Smoking shelter plan is a burning issue for villagers

PLANS to install a smoking shelter at a village pub has become a burning issue for the community.   more...

Surveyor cannot take up job after court bans him from driving

A NEWLY qualified chartered surveyor is unable to take up a job offer after being banned from driving following a serious car crash.   more...

Tribute to well-known police instructor

A TRIBUTE has been paid to a leading figure in police driver training who has died following an illness.   more...

We're not killjoys, say residents opposing community plan

RESIDENTS fighting plans for an entertainment licence at a building set up for the benefit of the community have denied they are 'killjoys'.   more...

School teacher who had sex with pupil walks free

A MARRIED music teacher who had sex with a schoolgirl 30 years his junior has walked free from court.   more...

Crash driver flees leaving passenger injured

A DRIVER of a stolen car fled leaving a teenage passenger injured in a late-night collision on Teesside.   more...

Rotarians build school in Tsunami-hit village

A SRI Lankan school destroyed by a devastating Tsunami is set to reopen after Rotarians in Thirsk helped raise £260,000.   more...

Boxers set for trip of a lifetime

A BOXING coach is determined to show a group of youngsters a life worlds away from drink and drugs via a trip of a lifetime.   more...

Centenarian's grand gesture to air medics

THE Great North Air Ambulance has received a birthday gift from a kind-hearted centenarian.Instead of presents, Alice Boulter asked friends and family to make donations to the air ambulance when they celebrated her century.The charity got a quadruple boost of funds, as Mrs Boulter, who lives at Constantine Court retirement flats, in Middlesbrough, had not one but four parties.In total, she raised £1,000 and plans to go on raising more when she visits her friends for a fifth party in Cheltenham.To thank her for her generosity, staff from the air ambulance invited Mrs Boulter along to their base at Durham-Tees Valley Airport to sit in the helicopter.Mrs Boulter said: "I just thought at my age, I don't want anything, I've got everything I want."The air ambulance came to my mind as I first saw them on the television and I thought what a marvellous job they do."I'm so impressed with what they've got here - the whole area is so huge."I loved going in the helicopter. I've never seen it before - I think it's wonderful."Mrs Boulter, who has three daughters, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great grandaughter, threw parties for her friends from bingo, the residents at Constantine Court, her family, and members of her activity group.Staff from the air ambulance said they were delighted at the generosity of Mrs Boulter and her friends and family.The charity receives no public or lottery funding and relies on donations.It has to raise £10,000 a day to maintain its service.Sarah Booth, from the air ambulance, said: "We're absolutely delighted and honoured that Alice chose us as her charity."She must be one very popular lady to have donated £1,000 to us."We rely 100 per cent on the generosity of people like Alice."I think we can certainly say Alice is the oldest person we have had in the aircraft."It's nice that people like Alice can come back and see where their money goes."  more...

Surgeon criticised for his part in man's death

A CONSULTANT surgeon has been criticised for his part in the death of a man who stabbed himself in the heart with a steak knife.John Gordon Stephen "accelerated" the death of patient, Alan Dunn, at Darlington Memorial Hospital, during a procedure to remove the knife, an inquest heard.Mr Stephen, who said he was acting in Mr Dunn's best interests, faced manslaughter charges following the incident on December 10, 2005. The charges were dropped in October last year.Yesterday, the five-day inquest was concluded by Durham Coroner, Andrew Tweddle, at Chester-le-Street Magistrates' Court.Mr Tweddle said the knife had been in Mr Dunn's heart when it was removed 90 minutes after Mr Dunn's suicide bid.In this time, Mr Tweddle said, Mr Dunn was rendered "haemodynamically normal", which experts say made him suitable for a hospital transfer.Earlier in the week, medical experts testified it was "established medical dogma" to leave the knife in and transfer to a specialist heart unit.Mr Tweddle also said there had been no provision to carry out an emergency thoracotomy or an incision into the chest. The procedure would have enabled the removal of the knife, plugging of the hole it left, and massage of the heart in the event of an arrest.In a statement detailing the circumstances of Mr Dunn's death, Mr Tweddle said: "There was no plan in place to deal with any sudden deterioration of Mr Dunn's condition upon the withdrawal of the knife."Mr Dunn arrested within a couple of minutes of the knife being removed from the chest. His death was, on a balance of probabilities, accelerated by the effect of the removal of the knife."Mr Dunn was discovered by his wife, Coleen, at their home in Barrington Terrace, Ferryhill, County Durham.The 60-year-old hospital porter and former miner had been suffering from depression.Before delivering his verdict, Mr Tweddle said: "One of the benefits of this inquest has been to expose to public scrutiny the circumstances surrounding Mr Dunn's death of which Mr Stephen played a part."I must stress beyond doubt that this has not been Mr Stephen on trial. This has been to find out what happened and he was just a player in that story."After the hearing, Lee Dunn, Mr Dunn's eldest son, said he hoped lessons could be learned."I was happy to hear that the coroner acknowledged there should have been a 'plan b' in place," he said. "I think that they should be wondering whether taking a patient with a stab wound to the chest from Ferryhill to Darlington, rather than straight to James Cook heart unit in Middlesbrough is the right procedure."Mr Stephen, 63, of The Willows, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, retired earlier this year after 26 years with the County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospital Trust.He said: "I am glad that nearly two years after Mr Dunn's tragic death, the inquest is completed. I would like, once again, to extend my sympathies to Mr Dunn's family. At all times, I was acting in the best interests of Mr Dunn."The cause of death was recorded as a stab wound to the heart.  more...

Nursing home dedicates room to former care worker

A NURSING home is dedicating a new suite offering patients a range of sensory experiences after a former care worker.   more...

Old Bailey trial hears that accused jockey gave losing horse a -good ride' at Lingfield

A jockey accused of throwing races in a multi-million pound betting scam declared he had given his horse a "good ride" in one of the suspected races, the Old Bailey heard yesterday.Darren Williams, 29, who is based in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, was questioned by an investigator from the security department at the Jockey Club, then the sport's ruling body, in January 2003.They wanted to know about his tactics for his ride on Legal Set, the joint top-rated horse in the 2.15pm race at Lingfield on December 30, 2002.For some reason, the price on the horse drifted from 9-4 to 5-1 on Betfair, the online betting exchange, and it eventually had a starting price of 4-1 with bookmakers, the jury was told.Williams was asked if he gave the horse "too much to do" after being held up at the rear and dropped his hands to give the horse a "tender finish".Williams said he was "quite annoyed actually" at this suggestion. "I gave the horse a good ride to the instructions given to me," according to the interview read out in court.Williams, Fergal Lynch, also based in North Yorkshire, and six-time champion jockey Kieren Fallon are among six defendants accused of involvement in a conspiracy with others between December 2002 and September 2004, to defraud Betfair customers and other punters.Fallon, 42, formerly of Newmarket, Cambridgeshire, but now of Tipperary, Ireland, and fellow jockeys Fergal Lynch, 29, of Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, and Williams, of Leyburn, North Yorkshire, deny the charge.Shaun Lynch, 37, of Belfast, Miles Rodgers, 38, of Silkstone, South Yorkshire, and Philip Sherkle, 42, of Tamworth, Staffordshire, also plead not guilty.Rodgers also denies concealing the proceeds of crime.The hearing was adjourned until Monday.  more...

Surgeon and transplant girl reunited by satellite

BRITAIN'S youngest ever heart transplant baby has spoken to the man who performed the operation via a videolink. Kaylee Davidson, from Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, made medical history when she had the transplant aged four months.Twenty years on, she is one of the longest surviving heart transplant babies in the world.Kaylee spoke to Christopher McGregor, who now works in the US, using advanced communication technology at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, where the operation took place.She said. "Without the surgeon performing my transplant, I wouldn't be here and, without the donor, they wouldn't have been able to do it. There aren't many words I can say to the donor, but thank you from the bottom of my heart."Kaylee, who now works at Marks and Spencer, said she hopes her story will encourage more people to sign up to the Organ Donor Register.She said: "It's important that people talk to their families about their wishes and tell them what they want when they die."Mr McGregor is now based at the Mayo Clinic, in Minnesota.He said: "Those were very memorable days and you are a tough person. "It's wonderful what you have done. Just keep on going strong."It was a very special time. It was one of those big things in your life you never forget."Kaylee's mother, Carol Olley, 39, said: "The most emotional part of today is Kaylee being able to talk to Mr McGregor. The last time she was five or six, but now she understands what happened. The enormity of it all took a while to sink in."She added: "It's a great celebration for us today, but we need to remember that a baby died and the parents were kind enough to give this gift to Kaylee. She used it well."She's an amazing girl and I'm very proud of her."Kaylee, a keen athlete and dancer, went to Thailand in August to take part in World Transplant Games, where she won one silver and two bronze medals.Since her operation, 157 children have had a heart or lung transplant at the Freeman Hospital - the youngest patient having the surgery when four-weeks-old.Throughout her life, Kaylee and her family have continued to promote and support the work of the hospital's paediatric transplant programme.  more...

Winning the war and the support of people

DESPITE their camp now only rarely attacked, the troops of The Right Flank of 1st Battalion, The Scots Guards, still carry helmets and body armour wherever they go.The maxim "soldiers must be lucky all of the time, terrorists only once" stands the test of time and is applicable in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, as it was in Northern Ireland 20 years ago. The battalion has been at the forefront of International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) operations in southern Afghanistan since early September, last year.The soldiers were deployed to Forward Operating Base Arnhem to help bring security to an area that has seen continual fighting for the past 12 months.Military chiefs say the unit is winning the battle, with the Taliban fighters recently being driven out of the zone.Initial incursions by ISAF into Taliban territory were followed up time and time again, culminating in Operation Palk Wahel, which squeezed the enemy between two battle groups.Right Flank's Warrior armoured vehicles provided mobility and fire support to both groups.Army chiefs say it is not just ISAF that is keen for the Taliban to leave.Local Afghans are now beginning to respond to the continual presence of troops by providing intelligence.Major Chris Bell, Right Flank commander, said: "I think it's a difficult job and I think the key is even when things get militarily intense, we must remember we are in a counter-insurgency environment and that the root to victory lies in the minds of the people of Afghanistan and whether they support our efforts."  more...