Stories for 12 February 2007
The Northern Echo News
Silver-haired trainspotter suspected of tree damage
A SILVER-HAIRED train-spotter is suspected of having vandalised a row of trees blocking his view - of a branch line.The mystery pensioner is believed to have swapped his anorak and notepad for a bowsaw after the trees - on a nature reserve, near Darlington - marred the spectacle of passing Sprinter and freight trains. Local councillors are now threatening to prosecute anyone found to be responsible.The seven silver birch trees, at the Oak Tree roundabout, near Durham Tees Valley airport - next to the Darlington to Middlesbrough railway line - were cut in half.The chief suspect is an elderly trainspotter who was seen near the trees shortly before the damage was done.Doris Jones, a Darlington borough councillor and chairwoman of Middleton St George Parish Council, is appealing for anyone who knows the identity of the tree chopper to get in touch.It is believed the vandalism was carried out in November.Coun Jones said: "These trees have been cut deliberately to give a clear view on to the railway tracks."We're all devastated - this is blatant criminal damage."We couldn't believe that someone would do this. The trees were very expensive."The trees, which are on Darlington Borough Council land, were planted a few years ago as part of work to improve The Whinnies nature reserve.Shortly before the trees were damaged, a man, thought to be in his early 60s, was seen with a camera nearby.Coun Jones said: "The branches haven't been ripped off like kids might do - they've been cut with a saw. It's only a little train track, I can't understand why anyone would do this"You'd be able to get a better picture and safer one from the platform. Several years of growth has been ruined. We would have no hesitation in prosecuting whoever is responsible."The other ward councillor for Middleton St George, Bill Maybrey, has also voiced his anger at the damage. He said: "We are all concerned at such mindless vandalism. It is pointless." Police and the local council have been informed of the incident. Coun Jones asked anyone who knows the identity of the trainspotter to call her on 01325-332820 or Phil Haynes, at Darlington council on 01325-380651. more...
'It's got to go' as protected bull ring branded eyesore
A RICKETY wooden bull ring which developers have been forced to build around should be demolished, according to a councillor.The rest of the auction mart, in Tow Law, County Durham, was bulldozed more than a year ago to make way for new homes.But the 120-year-old bull ring, which is Grade II-listed, was left standing.Opinion is split over whether the shed is a historic gem or an eyesore.Ron Grogan, who represents Tow Law on Wear Valley District Council, has called for it to be knocked down and a garden built in its place.He said: "I would like to see some sort of garden built. "It would greatly benefit the renaissance of Tow Law if the bull ring were pulled down and the area dedicated to a public attraction. "It's got to go."Tow Law mart was founded in 1882 by Joseph Vickers and remained in the Vickers family until it closed in September 2005. Coun Grogan said: "We could include a commemorative area recognising the importance of the mart and it would make the town much more attractive to visitors."It was hoped museums such as Beamish would consider the mart ring of sufficient historical importance to have it moved and preserved, but no interest has been shown. Barry Smith, managing director of McInerney Homes North East, which owns the site and has built the houses around the mart ring, said that no decision on the future of the mart ring has been taken. "Advice from Beamish Museum states that the bull ring in Tow Law is typical of many of the auction marts in our region and only retains some of the original structure and fittings," he said. "McInerney Homes is working closely with a number of groups in the community, including district councillors, Tow Law town council, local schools and historical societies to ensure that there is a local input into any decision made on the future of the bull ring."We are working hard to regenerate the local area and our development is having a hugely positive effect on the town." more...
Shipbuilders at the helm of international design centre
THE expertise of professionals based in what was once one of the world's largest ship building cities is to be harnessed in a new international design centre.Although there are no longer any shipyards in the North-East, the design skills which helped to make Newcastle one of the centres of the industry are still abundant.A £2.3m International Marine Design Centre is expected to open in the city next month after regional development agency One NorthEast agreed financial support.It is hoped the centre will help to win contracts totalling £100m into the marine and defence sectors over the next ten years.The centre will provide a venue for local firms to carry out projects under one roof.It is the first of its type in the country and will be staffed by three full-time industry professionals and allow companies to place up to 40 designers at any one time in the centre. It is also hoped North-East companies can pool their resources to help win large contracts.Ray Thompson, One NorthEast marine sector specialist, said: "It will become an internationally-recognised centre of excellence to showcase the North-East's marine design skills and technology."Our region is still rich in marine design skills, which are highly valued around the world."We have suffered in recent years through a decline in the fabrication of ships - but the design skills are still here and we want to provide a focal point for the companies to win new work."Potential projects could include work on the Royal Navy's two new aircraft carriers, and contracts in civil and naval markets in Australia, Malaysia and China.Business development company Northern Defence Industries will run the centre working alongside Newcastle University's School of Marine and Science and Technology.There are about 20 companies in the North-East marine industry working on everything from hull design to internal components, such as cabins and machinery.Trevor Harrison, managing director of Northern Defence, said: "For the region's marine design businesses, the centre will provide them with an influential route to markets and access to major clients and major opportunities."One North-East is providing £1.5m for the project.Private sector contributions and revenue generated by the project will meet the running costs over its first three years. more...
Off-duty air paramedic first on the scene after car leaves road
AN off-duty air ambulanceman helped treat two men trapped in a sports car after it was involved in an accident.Firefighters praised the way the emergency services worked together to treat the men after the accident on the outskirts of Darlington at 11am yesterday.The two men, who are believed to be related, were airlifted to hospital after their Mercedes car came off the road at Burtree, near the Barrons outdoor centre.Kevin Hodgson, a paramedic who has been cited for his bravery in the past, drove past soon after the accident happened.Although police were on the scene, no paramedics had arrived, so Mr Hodgson, 48, a lead paramedic with the Great North Air Ambulance, began helping the men. Fellow air ambulance paramedic Colin Clark said: "Kevin just happened to be driving down towards Darlington."The patients were trapped so, until the fire brigade arrived, Kevin made sure their airways were clear and they were as comfortable as could be."He called for the air ambulance, then decided two helicopters were needed to take both men to hospital as quickly as possible.Mr Clark said: "It would have taken too long for our other aircraft to have got there, so the police helicopter was called."Firefighters took 20 minutes to free the men, before they were treated by air ambulance doctor Andy Griffiths and flown to the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.Darlington fire station watch manager John Walkden said: "This was a very serious accident and the two men were quite seriously injured."This was a very difficult extraction because of the condition of the car."However, it was handled in a very professional way."It was very much a combined operation, and the interrelation between the three services was tremendous and a credit to everyone involved."The two men remained seriously hurt last night with head injuries.In October last year, Mr Hodgson, from Bishop Auckland, was nominated for a GMTV Beyond The Call of Duty Award, as part of the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards.The award was made after he carried out a daring rescue of a man whose car became stuck in the swollen River Wear, at Stanhope Ford, in Weardale, County Durham.Mr Hodgson jumped on the roof of the car from the helicopter and helped the man to the roof of his car and into the helicopter. more...
Cutting costs on wedding day
Brides should consider travelling to their wedding in a taxi, wearing a second-hand dress, according to the Church of England.A new guide being used by the Church encourages couples to reject the spend, spend, spend culture and embrace a more simplistic approach. It also urges couples to prevent their weddings costing the earth, with tips on having an environmentally-friendly ceremony and reception.It suggests using fairly-traded material for the bride's gown, serving organic food at the reception and organising the wedding list with a charity. Recent figures estimate the average cost of a wedding in the UK is £17,000, with the bride's dress costing, on average, £826.Former Relate counsellor the Reverend Andrew Body, who wrote Making the Most of Weddings, believes the Church has a duty to "blow the whistle" on this growing commercialism.His book lists several money saving tips, including that brides buy their dress from a charity shop and return it later. He also suggests guests could take their own alcohol and that instead of an expensive limousine or horse-drawn carriage, the couple could travel in a taxi.He drew his more creative suggestions from ideas collected by Karen Holford, former chairwoman of Churches Together for Families.* The price of romance will hit £2.4bn this week as Britons splash out on Valentine's Day. Flowers remain the most popular gift followed by chocolate and jewellery, according to the British Retail Consortium. more...
Thief was out of jail on licence, court told
A MAN who admitted taking an £80,000 ambulance on a high-speed wrecking spree was out on licence from prison at the time, a court was told. Steven McGladdery, 19, was at a house where paramedics arrived to treat a man following a failed suicide bid.While they were busy, he got the keys to their Mercedes Benz ambulance, which was parked outside, and sped off, said Harry Hadfield, prosecuting.It was driven in a dangerous manner, breaking speed limits, mounting footpaths and hitting a parked car, Teesside magistrates were told.Ten minutes later, the ambulance was abandoned, having crashed into a wall on a housing estate, leaving one side of the vehicle peeled open.McGladdery admitted aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and breaching his anti-social behaviour order when he appeared before magistrates.An additional charge of driving with excess alcohol was withdrawn by the prosecution following his guilty pleas.The Northern Echo reported last week how the ambulance was taken from outside a house in Allendale Road, Ormesby, Middlesbrough, at about 10pm on Thursday.Mr Hadfield told the court: "An ambulance crew attended an address in Allendale Road where a man had attempted suicide. The vehicle was parked outside and was stolen using the keys."Steven McGladdery was in the house before the ambulance was taken. As soon as it was realised the ambulance had been stolen, the police were notified."McGladdery was seen by a police patrol car near the junction of Cargo Fleet Lane and Ormesby High Street."It (the ambulance) was driven in a dangerous manner on and off the road at speed, exceeding the speed limit. The vehicle was driven onto footpaths, colliding with a parked car and a wall," said Mr Hadfield.Police used its tracking device to find the ambulance, which was so badly damaged it had to be removed on the back of a flat-bed truck.Ambulance bosses, who said the patient being treated was not in a serious condition, are expecting the ambulance to be a write-off.Magistrates were told McGladdery received an anti-social behaviour order in 2005, with one of the conditions being not to steal vehicles. They were also told that he was out on licence following a previous conviction.Mr Hadfield recommended that McGladdery, of Moorbeck Way, Ormesby, be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court because of the serious nature of the theft.In mitigation, Sean Grainger said McGladdery had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and had raised no objection to the sentencing being carried out in crown court.McGladdery was remanded in custody and told he would be sentenced next month, on a date to be specified. more...
54-year-old accused of killing his former wife
A JOBLESS man is due in court this morning charged with the murder of his former wife.Mother-of-two Margaret Iley suffered multiple stab wounds in the incident outside her home in Smillie Road, Horden, County Durham.The 57-year-old, who worked at the Walkers' Crisp factory in Peterlee, died in a neighbour's house shortly afterwards at about 6pm on Friday.A post-mortem examination carried out at the University Hospital of Hartlepool confirmed the cause of death was stabbing.Last night, distraught neighbours told how they had tried to save Mrs Iley's life.Kirsten Spencer, 31, said: "I ran around to help and we dragged Margaret onto the floor of the kitchen next door, trying desperately to stop the blood by pressing on Margaret's neck wound. "We were trying to keep her calm, taking it in turns to try and stem the blood loss. "We tried our hardest to save her, but she was gone."Margaret's grandson was outside. When I walked out of the house, he asked if his gran had gone and he was crying. I said, 'yes' and just cuddled him."Neighbours also told how her pet dog had been stabbed. Although it is expected to recover, it was blinded in one eye.Lorry driver Robert Raynes, 33, said: "I went in and it was just cowering in the corner. The poor thing was probably in shock, so I wrapped it up and took it to a vet. "I am gutted about the whole thing, really devastated."Mrs Iley's death has shocked the community and neighbours remember her as a friendly woman who doted on her family.Neighbour Margaret Fletcher, 59, had known Ms Iley for almost 40 years. She said: "She was a lovely lady who loved her grandchildren. She was very well-liked around here. She did not have a bad bone in her body."It has come as a great shock and she will be sadly missed." Deborah Wiffin, 37, who lives in the same street, used to see Mrs Iley as she made her way to work.She said: "She was a lovely lady who kept herself to herself but she would always say hello."I used to see her going to work and playing with her grandchildren in the garden. It is very sad."This is an absolute tragedy and terrible for this community."Police said Mrs Iley had been divorced 14 years ago. She had two children, David, 33, and 31-year-old Caroline.David and his son moved back in with her in December 2005 while Caroline, who has a daughter and a son, visited every day.* Joe Iley, 54, of Emmerson Court, Horden, was yesterday charged with murder. He is due to appear before Peterlee magistrates this morning. more...
Baby and mother rescued from snow
A baby had to be plucked to safety when his parents' car was caught in a blizzard on a remote North-East hilltop.Mountain rescuers carried the eight-week-old baby out of a snowdrift in Upper Wear-dale, County Durham, before leading his mother to safety.The young family was in one of four vehicles that became stranded on the B6278 between Castleside and Stanhope, on Saturday night.Sudden high winds had swept snow from the dale across the road, causing 3ft drifts.One motorist used a mobile phone to call 999, but police had to contact Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team for help.Seven rescue volunteers split up into two teams and approached the blocked stretch of road from the north and south to get as close as possible.One vehicle managed to get within 200m of the stranded cars and rescuers waded through the drift to reach the occupants.As soon as they discovered the baby, they wrapped him in a blanket and carried him to safety.Team leader Dave Bartles-Smith said: "It was dark at the time with mist and a strong wind which was causing the snow to drift. "Several drivers were caught out by the conditions, which were very localised so difficult to predict."We decided that the family would be safer if we carried the baby back to our Land Rover and took the family to lower ground near Stanhope, where they were left in the hands of the police."Everyone else was kept warm, safe and calm until their cars were freed and they were all home by 10.30pm."The other nine passengers stayed in their vehicles until a snow plough arrived to dig them out.Police closed the road to motorists for the rest of the weekend and rescuers warned drivers to take extra precautions and prepare for the worst when travelling on remote roads in bad weather. On the slopes - Page 7 more...
Teenager fatally stabbed 16-year-old on birthday
A TEENAGER has admitted stabbing a schoolboy to death on his 16th birthday. more...
Samurai swordsman faces life
Husband accused of murdering former wife
Body named as missing man
POLICE have confirmed that a body found on a country estate is that of missing man, David Buckley. more...
Dragons take on missile entrepreneur
Church to sell up
YORK Minster is to sell a number of properties in the city, but the proceeds will not help a 23million restoration appeal for the ancient building. more...
Homes evacuated following gas leak
MORE than 20 homes have been evacuated and a road has been closed following a gas leak, in Spennymoor. more...
Breaking news: Thousands without gas tonight
More than 10,000 homes throughout South West Durham are without gas this evening. more...
Detective accuses son of being responsible for dad's death
Teenager admits murdering schoolboy
A TEENAGER has admitted murdering a schoolboy, who had survived cancer, on the victim's 16th birthday. more...
Walkers rescued after blizzard strikes
THREE walkers from the region had to be rescued after they were caught overnight in blizzard conditions on a Scottish hillside. more...
Making history: Your compact Northern Echo
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Blaze-hit family's thanks to helpers
A COMMUNITY has rallied round to help a young family whose house was badly damaged by fire.The blaze broke out in Bessemer Street, Blackhill, Consett, County Durham, on December 10 when the Christmas lights burst into flames.Carl McCullagh, 34, his wife Tracy, and their three children -Jack, seven, Grace, four, and two-year-old Abbie-Jane -were trapped.Mr McCullagh, a chef at Shotley Park Nursing Home, said: "I had been on a work night out and came in and dozed off on the settee. When I woke, the entire room was black and filled with smoke."It was terrifying, because the smoke was getting thicker and thicker and I couldn't breathe."I knew my family were trapped upstairs and I could not get them out. Eventually, I found the right key and ran out and was grabbed by a neighbour who stopped me going back inside for the family."Firefighters rescued 28-year-old Mrs McCullagh and the children from the bedroom window.The McCullaghs did not have insurance, so friends and family have collected more than £1,000 for repairs and local stores have donated home furnishings and decorating materials.Mr McCullagh said: "If it was not for friends and family, we wouldn't have been able to put it right again. Both of our parents came up and helped us clean the place up. "Everybody in the area has been great, asking people to help us and bringing stuff around."Focus donated paint and brushes while Matalan gave them quilt covers and bedding. The Rotary Club donated electrical appliances, the Consett Lions gave them cash and Mark Fawkes, who has a cleaning company, cleaned the house for free.Mr McCullagh said: "There are people in the street who I did not know to talk to, so for them to help us is great."In the past, we would walk by each other and not say a word, but now we stop and have a chat."We have made a lot of friends and we would all like to say a big thank you to everyone." more...
Tributes paid to Catterick soldier
TRIBUTES were paid yesterday to a British soldier killed in a roadside bomb attack in southern Iraq.The soldier was named as Private Luke Simpson, of the 1st Battalion, the Yorkshire Regiment, which was based at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.The 21-year-old, from Howden, East Yorkshire, was killed on Friday when the device detonated close to the armoured Land Rover he was driving back to base after a routine patrol.Three other soldiers were injured - one critically - in the blast just outside Basra.Pte Simpson was the 132nd member of the British forces to die in Iraq since the start of hostilities, and the 101st killed in action.Defence Secretary Des Browne said that Pte Simpson's comrades and loved ones were in his thoughts and prayers."The attempts by insurgents to undermine our armed forces' incredible efforts to improve the lives of the Iraqi people will not succeed," he said."We are very proud of the professionalism and courage shown by our armed forces serving on operations around the world."After joining the Army at 16, Pte Simpson - known as "Boob" to his friends - trained at Catterick before serving in Northern Ireland and Bosnia.He was sent to Iraq in November.Comrades paid tribute to his dedication, morale-boosting humour and enthusiasm for the task ahead.His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Jackson, said: "Pte Luke Simpson stood out as a young soldier with the highest personal and professional credentials."He had the potential to go far and his dedication to duty, personal pride in soldiering and selfless commitment to his comrades is an inspiration to us all."His passion and zest for life touched everyone who knew him and we are all the poorer for his passing."Major Richard Hall, Officer Commanding A Company, described him as exceptionally talented and said he had the brightest of futures."He did everything well, including keeping spirits high," he said."He used to refer to himself as Regimental Sergeant Major Simpson and thrust his chest forward for dramatic effect."It always made the lads laugh. "Although he was a joker, I do not doubt for a moment that he would have achieved it."Colleagues described him as a rising star and remembered his cheeky sense of humour.Private Cameron Pierre, of 1 Platoon, A Company, said: "He was always sticking up two fingers behind the boss' back and waving them around wildly."The boss would catch him now and again but Boob could get away with that."The boss loved him." more...
Pub's eco-friendly makeover after one power cut too many
A PUB landlord who reached the end of his tether with crippling power cuts and rising energy prices took matters into his own hands and embraced green technology.David Hawksworth lost nearly £30,000 in 2005 due to irregular power supplies and frequent power cuts at the pub he has run for six years, the Fox and Hounds, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire.He changed the pub into an eco-friendly premises that could supply its own energy and recycle wherever possible. Eventually, the pub will incorporate wind power and solar panels.After losing so much money due to an unreliable power supply, the pub installed a six-cylinder diesel generator that runs at peak times.Mr Hawksworth is even looking into the possibility of converting waste chip frying oil into bio-diesel. The pub uses 40 to 60 litres of cooking oil a week, which is currently disposed of as waste.He said: "As a small rural pub, we find it difficult to make ends meet, but we have put so much into this pub."We have done a massive amount of research and we will keep pushing. The results have been amazing."The pub will use heat generated from treating sewage waste. Water to flush the toilets will be supplied from rainwater and run-off water from the land that can be collected and stored.Mr Hawksworth has also installed low-energy lightbulbs and most outside floodlights have been changed to low- energy lighting.There are also plans to build eight luxury holiday log cabins on 6.5 acres of land next the pub, all fully eco-friendly, with windpower, solar panels and an energy management system.The Fox and Hounds is part of the Prince's Trust's Pub is the Hub scheme, which aims to stop the decline of rural pubs. Mr Hawksworth has also signed up to Hospitable Climates, a free energy-saving programme supported by the Carbon Trust. more...
Housewife ready for Aintree glory
A HOUSEWIFE is in training to ride the world-famous Aintree course on Grand National Day.Janine Patchcott, 40, of Stanley, County Durham, has made it through to the final 16 vying to ride in the John Smith's People's Race.The event gives ten members of the public the chance to ride in a flat race on Grand National Day and raise £100,000 for charity.After receiving more than 3,500 entries, race organisers whittled the field down to 30 novice riders.They attended gruelling assessments at the British Racing School, Newmarket, and the Northern Racing College, Doncaster, to win a place in the starting line-up.The mother-of-two has now been selected for the next stage of the competition and will be assigned a professional trainer. Mrs Patchcott said: "'I am so excited about how far I have got in this competition."Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever thought I would have the chance to ride at Aintree. "Over the last few days, I have witnessed every possible emotion; excitement, anxiety, apprehension. "To have an opportunity to be coached by such well-renowned trainers is a real privilege. "I am very much looking forward to the next eight weeks and hopefully riding in front of the crowd on the big day itself."Mrs Patchcott spends her spare time helping rehabilitate injured racehorses, and will donate any winnings to Cardiac Risk in the Young.A final assessment will be held at the end of next month, when the race line-up of ten jockeys will be announced, ahead of Grand National Day on Saturday, April 14. more...
Squadron finds spare time to raise money for air ambulance
MEMBERS of an RAF squadron in North Yorkshire have been raising life-saving funds.Thousands of pounds have been raised by 609 (West Riding) Squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force which, since 1998, has trained part-time personnel supporting operations for regular units at RAF Leeming.In any spare time, the 609 Squadron has been raising money for the Great North Air Ambulance.The squadron adopted the air ambulance last year and raised £4,543 through a number of donations and sponsored events, including a three-day walk along Hadrian's Wall, a 24-hour run and darts and pool competitions.Donations also came from the squadron's support of community first aid courses run by Heartstart, a British Heart Foundation initiative launched ten years ago.Squadron members run three-hour first aid courses covering general care of casualties, learning to contain bleeding, performing resuscitation and helping a suspected heart attack victim.Flight Sergeant Vic Rose said: "So far, we have trained 2,550 people around the area, including Northallerton, Darlington and Richmond. The courses are free, but we ask for a donation to our adopted charity."In the past, the squadron has helped the children's ward at Darlington Memorial Hospital, the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, and Age Concern Darlington. Anyone wishing to book a course can call Flt Sgt Rose on 01677-457127 or 01325-486218 or Steve Young on 01670-457135 or 01748-812861.The squadron has adopted the Multiple Sclerosis Society this year and hopes to raise another £4,000. A 24-hour run will take place on Saturday, March 24. more...
Man admits samurai sword murder
A MAN who stabbed a 21-year-old woman with a samurai sword then ran her over admitted murdering her today. more...
'It's got to go' as protected bull ring branded eyesore
A RICKETY wooden bull ring which developers have been forced to build around should be demolished, according to a councillor.The rest of the auction mart, in Tow Law, County Durham, was bulldozed more than a year ago to make way for new homes.But the 120-year-old bull ring, which is Grade II-listed, was left standing.Opinion is split over whether the shed is a historic gem or an eyesore.Ron Grogan, who represents Tow Law on Wear Valley District Council, has called for it to be knocked down and a garden built in its place.He said: "I would like to see some sort of garden built. "It would greatly benefit the renaissance of Tow Law if the bull ring were pulled down and the area dedicated to a public attraction. "It's got to go."Tow Law mart was founded in 1882 by Joseph Vickers and remained in the Vickers family until it closed in September 2005. Coun Grogan said: "We could include a commemorative area recognising the importance of the mart and it would make the town much more attractive to visitors."It was hoped museums such as Beamish would consider the mart ring of sufficient historical importance to have it moved and preserved, but no interest has been shown. Barry Smith, managing director of McInerney Homes North East, which owns the site and has built the houses around the mart ring, said that no decision on the future of the mart ring has been taken. "Advice from Beamish Museum states that the bull ring in Tow Law is typical of many of the auction marts in our region and only retains some of the original structure and fittings," he said. "McInerney Homes is working closely with a number of groups in the community, including district councillors, Tow Law town council, local schools and historical societies to ensure that there is a local input into any decision made on the future of the bull ring."We are working hard to regenerate the local area and our development is having a hugely positive effect on the town." more...
Victim's relatives find strength in unity at Cathedral memorial service
THE fifth annual memorial service of the North-East Victims' Association took place on Saturday.Relatives of people from the region who have been murdered met at St Mary's RC Cathedral, in Newcastle.They listened to a moving sermon from Bishop Kevin Dunn and released a balloon in memory of their loved ones.The association's founder, David Hines, is a former magistrate whose daughter was murdered by her boyfriend while on bail.Marine engineer Anthony Davison was jailed for life for the murder of his common-law wife, Marie, who was 23.Mr Hines, 58, from Jarrow, South Tyneside, said: "It went extremely well and was a very moving service. "Everyone was full of praise for the bishop. He is a real gentleman and took the time to speak to everyone about their own personal tragedy." more...
Father and son die in car smash
A FATHER and his teenage son have died in a car accident which happened when they were driving to rugby training. more...
Double delight for twin's' Naval careers
TWINS John and Anthony Yorke are used to doing things together, and it will be no different when they go on the biggest voyage of their lives.The 21-year-olds, from Chilton, County Durham, have joined the Royal Navy as air engineering technicians with the fleet air arm.The pair attended Woodham Community Technology College, in Newton Aycliffe, and are employed by the Bell's Stores group, although at different locations.Having gone through a rigorous selection course, the twins' next assignment will come after they receive call-up papers at the Darlington Royal Navy Careers Office. Next month, they will join HMS Raleigh, in Cornwall, for eight weeks of basic training, followed by a posting to HMS Sultan, in Hampshire, for specialist training.They will then start active service.They recently enjoyed their first taste of life at sea with four days on HMS Albion -the Royal Navy's amphibious assault ship, where their uncle serves as an aircraft technician.Regional recruiting officer Lieutenant Commander Lee Butler said: "The North-East punches above its weight in terms of generating new recruits to the Royal Navy, with almost 20 per cent coming from the North-East."That is because of the diverse range of career options on offer, whether in the fleet air arm, submarines, surface fleet or Royal Marines." more...
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