DETECTIVES were last night investigating claims that a teenage girl was sexually assaulted by two men in a late-night attack. The 16-year-old told police she was walking to her Darlington home on Wednesday night when she was confronted by the pair, dragged
MAY proved to be an excellent month for local birdwatchers. The weekend of the 4th and 5th was particularly productive with weather conditions ensuring a strong movement of migrant birds through the area. Highlights were undoubtedly the first local records
Health Correspondent Barry Nelson considers the legacy of Alan Milburn, who has spent a high-pressure three years and eight months at the helm of the health service supertanker. RIGHT from the start of his relatively long tenure at the Department of Health
SPECTATOR'S pleased to report the burying of the hatchet in a dispute with a knight of the realm. The dispute - or perhaps it was rather more a grudge on Spectator's part - goes back six years to the momentous week when news appeared on the front page
OUTCRY over a name change has forced Middleton St George school governors to call an emergency meeting to pour oil on troubled waters. Parents were furious when they learned that their new £3m school was to be called the St Andrew's and St Laurence's
CHESTER-le-Street traders say that although the Test match has done wonders for the area's profile, it spelt disaster for the town's shops. As more than 12,000 spectators filed into the Riverside stadium to witness the first test match there, shop-keepers
A burglar who was a drug addict at ten was jailed for over three years yesterday. Edward Miller, 24, was using cannabis at ten and heroin at 16, said his lawyer. But while Miller was remanded to prison he became drug free and he was determined to stay
HARTLEPOOL UNITED chairman Ken Hodcroft last night revealed there are around 24 'serious applications' to succeed Mike Newell in the Victoria Park hot-seat. Ever since Newell was told his contract was not going to be renewed last month a number of names
BUSINESSES in a County Durham town are being invited to claim more than £150-worth of free Internet equipment as part of a campaign to bring high-speed, broadband services to the area. Crook has been targeted by North-East business Onyx Internet. The
THE curtain is ready to rise on a season of outdoor drama. There will be performances at Gisborough Priory and in the grounds of Kirkleatham Museum. Oddsocks will bring Romeo and Juliet to Kirkleatham for four nights - Wednesday, July 16, to Saturday,
A DETECTIVE who left a man brain-damaged when he felled him with a single punch has been jailed for 15 months. Father-of-three Graeme McMillan, 44, was sent crashing to the ground when he sprang to the defence of his wife following a lewd comment from
COMPENSATION payments to ex-miners whose health suffered because of working down pits has topped £1.5bn, the Government has said. The figure has been paid to more than 140,000 former miners or their families, including scores in the North-East and North
A SENIOR police officer's career is in jeopardy after she was arrested for drink-driving. Elizabeth Byron faces a court appearance after being stopped in the North-East. Ms Byron, an inspector in Hertfordshire Constabulary, has been charged with being
BURGLARS made off with cash and goods worth hundreds of pounds after two raids in a village on the same night. The gang targeted Leadgate Community Tea Rooms and the Golden Lion pub, both in Front Street, Leadgate, near Consett, on Monday night. They
FEARS are growing that some of the region's health watchdogs will be without premises, staff or equipment following last week's Government U-turn on health councils. Community Health Councils (CHC) were to have been abolished on September 1, but Health
Pleasure Seekers (ITV1): Malcolm In The Middle (BBC2) What Pleasure Seekers needed was Peter Snow with his swingometer. That would have enabled the makers of this series about Brits behaving naughtily to challenge Dirty David's claim to be the King of
THE return of scheduled passenger trains to Wensleydale next month has been hailed as a tonic for the area after the problems caused by the foot-and-mouth crisis two years ago. Rail campaigners described the long and sometimes frustrating negotiations
Tactics employed by a North-East police force to ensure there was no violence at Wednesday's England match could become a blueprint for forces across the country. A huge presence of more than 500 Cleveland Police officers meant the atmosphere remained
THE average four-year-old asks 400 questions every day. Only 400? Are they sure? And what everlastingly patient soul did the counting? Most of those questions begin with, or consist entirely of: "Why?" in response to the news that they're going to wear
VETERANS from a bygone era of motoring take to the roads for the 32nd Beamish Safety and Reliability Run on Sunday. Over 100 preserved vehicles, all at least 50-years-old, are expected to take part. The run is about 150-miles. This year the start and
VETERANS from a bygone era of motoring take to the roads for the 32nd Beamish Safety and Reliability Run on Sunday. Over 100 preserved vehicles, all at least 50-years-old, are expected to take part. The run is about 150-miles. This year the start and
After his shock resignation as Health Secretary yesterday, Darlington MP Alan Milburn talks exclusively to Political Editor Chris Lloyd about why he quit the Cabinet. ONE o'clock in Whitehall. The news is out and a gaggle of photographers is gathering
POLICE hunting a North-East businessman who went missing four months into a multi-million pound fraud trial believe he may have left the country. George Steen has not been seen since giving evidence at Southwark Crown Court, in London, almost three weeks
LOCALS at a pub in Wensleydale were delighted when their favourite Frenchman returned - even if it was inside a funeral urn! The urn, containing the ashes of Jos Loarte, takes pride of place on the mantelpiece at the Wyvill Arms at Constable Burton. But
CONTROVERSY has raged for years over whether it's good to talk or best to keep your pain under wraps. But The Northern Echo's on-line expert has jumped to the defence of counselling after an American professor who specialises in the study of loss, grief
SCORES of 15-year-olds across the region are getting a second class education, according to a report by Ofsted. The school's watchdog has called for a national strategy to improve schooling for disaffected teenagers after a survey showed they were not
Sir, - Last week (D&S, June 6) the self-styled spokesman for Brompton-on-Swale Liberal Democrats said my comment, that the most recent application for a waste transfer site by Yorwaste was the least of three evils, signified I was recommending it.
A wide ranging review of health services has been launched on Teesside. Health bosses say they are "not ruling anything out" in a drive for greater efficiency. The scale of the review is bound to lead to speculation about possible hospital closures, particularly
Lanchester WI: THE Derwent Group meeting was held at Satley Parish Hall on May 22. President Muriel Bell welcomed members and introduced the officers of all four institutes present. Jerusalem was sung, after which group convenor Maureen Clarkson read
NICKY Peng and wicketkeeper Phil Mustard will be charged with the task of launching Durham Dynamos' innings in today's opening Twenty20 Cup match against Nottinghamshire Outlaws. After two practice sessions, Australia-born left-hander Ashley Thorpe has
TWO young sisters were centre stage in a production of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream at Ouston Community Centre last week. Twelve-year-old Lauren Hogg played the fairy queen Titania while her sister Natalie, aged ten, was her comic suitor, Bottom
A NEWLY-opened village school is at the centre of a planning wrangle after it was discovered the building was erected in the wrong place. North Yorkshire County Council planning officer Eric Matthews said from the original planning application the school
THE region's leading drug-busters are coming together in a scheme to bring more dealers to justice. The hand-picked police team, called the Regional Drugs Intelligence Unit, will monitor street trends and gather intelligence on dealer networks across
It's ten years since North-East mum Laura May Al Shatanawi was murdered by her cheating husband. Hassan Shatanawi killed the trainee travel agent in an allotment shed and hid the body, which, to this day, has never been found. Donald Vaughan longs for
AIRLINE BMI British Midland is to reduce staff numbers by up to 1,500 as part of a £100m cost-cutting drive. The cutbacks - equivalent to about a third of the airline's workforce - are expected during the next three years. BMI, which operates a fleet
HUNDREDS of settees and armchairs bought by a council for asylum seekers failed fire safety checks and had to be destroyed, a court was told. More than 230 items of furniture were sold to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for £14,200 by Precision Manufacturing
A DRIVING instructor is planning to swap four wheels for two and cycle from coast to coast within the space of a day. John Rouse, of Chester-le-Street, will set off at 2.30am on Saturday from Whitehaven and aims to reach Sunderland about 14 hours later
A FINANCIAL review has been ordered at a borough council after fears were raised that next year's council tax could rise by 12 per cent. Senior councillor Glyn Nightingale of the new ruling coalition at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has asked council
CLEAN-UP operations were this week under way in two villages hit by floods at the weekend. Torrential rain on Sunday afternoon caused flooding to around 40 homes and businesses in Lanchester, near Consett. Residents have described how Front Street became
TWO men are to appear in court charged in connection with an alleged bomb hoax incident at Teesside Airport. The pair, aged 55 and 43, both from Stockton, were arrested on Wednesday night as they checked in for a flight to the Greek island of Rhodes.
GARDENERS wanting to brighten up their borders with unusual plants, trees and shrubs could find what they want in the grounds of a North-East castle next weekend. Specialist nurseries from across the country are joining forces with the region's leading
A cabbie has become the third North-East taxi driver in eight weeks to scoop the National Lottery jackpot. Ken Graham, 62, picked up a £625,483 share in Saturday's £4.3m jackpot prize. His win comes weeks after Bob Frazer, 58, won £14m on the Lotto Extra
COUNCILLORS in Darlington have agreed to requests for financial assistance from eight organisations in the borough, totalling £1,750. At its meeting on Tuesday, the cabinet awarded the Born to Dance studio in Parkgate £400 towards the cost of taking 50
A WOMAN watching the England match on Wednesday night was startled to see thieves in her garden. She was at her house in Yarm when she saw men stealing two heavy, stone lions from her front garden. While watching them loading them into a car, she called
THE body of a man has been found lying at the foot of a cliff. Police are not treating the death, near Guisborough, North Yorkshire, as suspicious, but are keeping an open mind and are appealing to the public for any information. The man, in his late
ULTRAviolet equipment is the latest weapon for health inspectors trying to ensure food handlers wash their hands. The equipment was bought by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council after a national survey revealed 39 per cent of catering staff do not wash
WORKERS left their cars behind yesterday in an attempt to highlight the benefits of public transport. A team of Darlington Borough Council employees travelled to the town hall on foot and by transport as they took part in the second annual Leg It Day.
A MOTORIST who admitted driving while disqualified and being over the drink-drive limit, narrowly escaped jail yesterday. Steven Johns was told by magistrates in Darlington that in the "normal course of events" he would have been sent to prison. Johns
A MOTORIST who admitted driving while disqualified and being over the drink-drive limit, narrowly escaped jail yesterday. Steven Johns was told by magistrates in Darlington that in the "normal course of events" he would have been sent to prison. Johns
A MAN charged with the murder of a 17-year-old youth appeared in court yesterday. Sean Matson, 20, of Langthwaite Walk, Redcar, east Cleveland, was remanded in custody by Teesside Crown Court until a plea and directions hearing on August 8. Defence counsel
PLANNERS have given the go-ahead for a 130ft test pole to see if a moorland site is suitable for an eight-turbine wind farm, despite protests from people living nearby. The pole will measure the force of wind on a site at Knabs Ridge, off Skipton Road
REDCAR lifeboat has been launched three times in four days. The crew were last called out on Wednesday to help a yacht in distress on Saltscar Rocks. The Hartlepool yacht Merlin was dangerously close to the rocks, but a man, woman and dog aboard were
PEOPLE who are being kept awake by rail line maintenance say contract workers are not sticking to an agreed code of practice on noise. Jarvis Rail has just completed major work on the line, which is only yards from houses in Railway Terrace, Eaglescliffe
Life on the ocean wave is clearly suiting Linda Pink, who is fondly remembered by countless people in Teesdale, thanks to her superb teaching methods. She helped hundreds gain qualifications and launch first-rate careers before she stepped down as head
JOHN CARROLL'S career has nosedived over the past couple of seasons but if the horse is good enough he can still hold his own with all but the top-flight jockeys. Carroll desperately needs more high-profile engagements to help re-establish his flagging
THE most senior officer with a North-East local authority is to stand down after more than a decade in charge. Colin Sinclair will retire as Sunderland City Council's chief executive in December as part of a planned shake-up of senior posts. The 51-year-old
A baby boy has died in a tragic accident in his cot. Shane Bland, aged six months, is believed to have become trapped between the mattress and the bars of his cot. Shane was discovered unconscious by his parents at their home in Byker, Newcastle. He was
PUPILS and teachers are linking up with colleagues from across the world, thanks to a pioneering scheme. Greenlands Community Infant School, in South Moor, near Stanley, is taking part in the Comenius Project, run by the British Council. It enables children
NORTH Yorkshire Police has demonstrated its commitment to training by increasing the amount it spends on developing the knowledge and skills of its staff by £1m. The cash will be spent on providing more educational courses for the force, as well as recruiting
AEROBICS instructors, chiropodists, dentists and nurses have been making their way to a primary school this week, to help teach children about health. On Wednesday, pupils at Framwellgate Moor Primary School took part in sponsored circuit training and
CAMPAIGNERS who have fought for a swimming pool for almost 30 years have accused councillors of letting local people down by refusing to fund it. In its latest bid to secure a pool for Seaham, the Seaham Environmental Association (Sea) discussed the issue
YOUNGSTERS at Saltburn Primary School can delve into the world of books thanks to their community's handiwork. Fifty storysacks will be available on loan for the school's nursery and reception children after a project, co-ordinated by nursery teacher
A PIONEERING National Lottery funding scheme will help boost the quality of life in two areas of Darlington during the next ten years. The Fair Share Trust, which is administered by the County Durham Foundation, has pledged £800,000 to the central and
POLICE have claimed a County Durham village's speeding problems could come from within the community. Residents and parish councillors in Middleton St George, near Darlington, complained about the excessive speed of drivers on a particular road in the
A BROTTON couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary this week. Margaret and Maurice Dunn, both 80, met in 1939 at a local dance at Tithe Barn in Marske. They courted for four years before marrying in 1943. During the second world war Mr Dunn
A MANAGER has been appointed to spearhead the regeneration of the economies of Malton and Norton. John Phillips takes over the job having worked on both sides of the Atlantic in marketing, trade research and administration. He said the horse-racing and
A FORMER chemist's shop that has been boarded up in Scarborough's old town for more than half a century is being restored. David Wilson, of SI Construction, is converting the 400-year-old property in Leading Post Street, near the harbour, into a cottage
A BOOKLET giving details of major sea defence works on the North Yorkshire coast is proving popular. A total of 5,000 copies of the booklet were printed to allow people the chance to learn about the £33.6m project. But, within weeks, thousands of them
A SCHOOL is trying to gather its own Ground Force team to turn a neglected patch of land into a tranquil area of greenery. The Hermitage, in Chester-le-Street, is working on a number of initiatives designed to open the school up to the community. One
HARTLEPOOL will be standing in for Verona during an outdoor performance of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The Chapterhouse Theatre Company brings the moving tale of star-crossed lovers to Ward Jackson Park as part of the town's week-long Youth Arts Festival
AN art and photography exhibition was opened by Middlesbrough Mayor, Ray Mallon, at the new Psyche centre yesterday. Formerly Upton's Store, in Linthorpe Road, the show, called Inspiration Engine, displays work by final-year undergraduate students from
SEVERAL North Yorkshire businesses have been shortlisted in the Yorkshire Tourist Board's White Rose Awards. The awards highlight good practice in an industry worth £4.2bn a year and employing 165,000 people in the region. The winners will be announced
A BEAT bobby who has tackled a knifeman, racial harassment and barriers between police and young people, has received an award. PC Nigel Craig, who covers the Chester-le-Street west beat, is winner of this year's Matt Wilkinson Trophy, Durham Police's
A CHARITY has thanked a council for organising free day trips for elderly people. Great Aycliffe Town Council has been organising the outings for more than 20 years. The number of trips has increased in recent years and this year they have proved more
COMMUNITY safety officers are to hand out security advice to farmers in Northallerton next week. Hambleton Community Safety Partnership's mobile police unit will visit the town's auction mart from 8am to 3pm on Wednesday, whencommunity safety officer
A GROUP of eight Durham police officers will get on their bikes for a fundraising bid. The cyclists, mostly from Durham Constabulary's Easington division, will travel more than 280 miles over three days from Gretna Green, in Scotland, to Flint, North
THE keen nose of Ceasar, the police dog who tracked down a burglar within hours of the crime, has been rewarded. PC Tony Drummond and his dog were honoured for their hard work in Durham Constabulary's annual awards, where they won the John Turner Trophy
A FLORAL tribute to mark the 300th anniversary of the birth of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, takes place later this month. The Methodist Church in Consett, will be the venue for a fantastic flower festival entitled The World is My Parish. The
BARNARD CASTLE. - Tues. Fwd: 154 store cattle. Breeding cattle. - Lim cow & calf £610 JM Blackburn. AA cow & calf: £505 M Girling; £460 M Souter. Lim hfrs & calf: £840, £820 C Penk; £720 J Harland. BB hfr & calf £700 ER Thompson. Feeding
AN organisation working to promote rural railway services has condemned media speculation about a new round of line closures. Several national newspapers carried reports earlier this week suggesting that the Government was preparing the ground for the
THE prospects are looking bright for a good harvest this year. An advantageous euro exchange rate and a virtually disease-free run-up point to a better harvest than last year, and organisers of the annual Farm-way crop variety open day at Croft later
A NURSING home worker appeared in court yesterday accused of a sex offence against a female resident aged 92. George Fleming, 60, pleaded not guilty to indecent assault at the Tancred Hall Nursing Home, at Whixley, near Knaresborough, North Yorkshire,
NORTH Yorkshire police are backing a microchipping scheme to help track down criminals who are breaking into local stables. The initiative was launched at Harlsey Show, held at the Northallerton Equestrian Centre last Saturday. Police say that about £150,000
THE Council for the Protection of Rural England has launched a campaign against plans to expand Britain's airports to cope with the growing demand for air travel. It argues that the price to be paid by those living near airports and the environment is
HUNDREDS of crews will converge on the River Wear in Durham for the annual showpiece of the North-East rowing calendar this weekend. The 169th Durham Regatta, dubbed The Henley of the North, will see races on the river every two minutes from 8am to after
Now that men are spending more time in front of the mirror than ever before, Shoptalk searches out the hair gels that hold their style. ONCE upon a time it was Denis Compton and Brylcreem. Now it's David Ginola and L'Oreal. Men have always taken their
THE lives of soldiers and their families in north-west Durham during the Great War will be the focus of an exhibition opening next week. Derwentside Catholic Family History Society will be showing its Wartime Memories collection in the Empire Theatre,
NEWCASTLE United defender Nicos Dabizas had to leap from his burning sports car after it crashed into traffic lights yesterday. The 29-year-old was at the wheel of his Aston Martin Vanquish when it hit a set of lights in Athens, Greece, and caught fire
A DARLINGTON cyclist warmed up for next week's national championships in Birmingham by winning a regional event. Richard King, 25, was victorious in the North-East Divisional Road Race Championship after a gruelling contest in Northumberland. His triumph
THE military career of a soldier dubbed the Butcher of the Somme is to be looked at during a lecture later this month. Author and history lecturer John Bourne is to look at the controversial career of Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig at the Durham Light
THE total cash raised for The Advertiser's Stanley Burns Pit Disaster Memorial Appeal stands at nearly £2,500 after a successful fund-raising talk. The money will be used to erect a graveside tribute to 54 men and boys buried in unmarked mass trenches
A SCHOOL is trying to gather together its own 'Ground Force' team to help turn a neglected patch of land into a tranquil area of greenery. The Hermitage in Chester-le-Street, is currently working on a number of initiatives designed to open the school
ULTRAviolet equipment is the latest weapon for health inspectors trying to ensure food handlers wash their hands. The equipment was bought by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council after a national survey revealed 39 per cent of catering staff do not wash
SIX Harry Potter fans will meet the author behind the successful series at an exclusive event. The youngsters were chosen for the honour after their school, Witton Gilbert Primary, near Durham, won a competition run by the Times Educational Supplement
Thursday's prices Kenneth Wilson, Thorpe Arch. - Wheat: June £73; July £74. Barley: June £68; July £69. Oilseed rape: June £180; July £181. GrainCo, Tyne Dock. - Wheat: July £79; Aug £80 (old crop). Barley: June £70; July £70 (old crop); Aug £62. Oilseed
THE Boundary Commission has decided that Darlington's Tory voting villages should stay in Tony Blair's Sedgefield constituency. The Darlington Labour MP, Alan Milburn, was forced to defend his more marginal seat against a possible influx of Tory votes
THE vast majority of people don't believe Alan Milburn when he says he is leaving the Government because he wants to see more of his family. That's because the vast majority of people don't believe politicians, no matter which party they represent. There
YOUNG members of a cathedral choir will take centre stage alongside one of Britain's most famous choristers at an open-air concert in the North-East later this month. The boys of Durham Cathedral Choir will join Aled Jones, to perform Music for a Midsummer's
A VICTIM of multiple sclerosis has been given approval to build a bungalow in the Swaledale village where she has lived for more than two decades. As reported in last week's D&S, Heather Coates and her husband Eric want to build a bungalow on the
A MAN charged with the murder of a 17-year-old youth appeared in court yesterday. Sean Matson, 20, of Langthwaite Walk, Redcar, east Cleveland, was remanded in custody by Teesside Crown Court until a plea and directions hearing on August 8. Defence counsel
THE grounds of the historic Gisborough Priory will be open seven days a week throughout the summer. It is hoped the move will improve visitor numbers to Guisborough, which was once the capital of Cleveland. Figures show the number of people visiting the
PARISH councillors across North Yorkshire are objecting to a "best bobby" scheme. Forms sent out by North Yorkshire police seeking nominations for top officers have prompted anger. The general message being sent back to the force is: if we could ever
A TINY school lined up for closure as part of a £300m shake-up of education has won a top award. Cassop Primary School, near Durham, was one of 11 from the North-East to be honoured at the Teaching Awards yesterday. The win was announced a week after
COUNCIL chiefs have given the go ahead for a Darlington school to move to a new site, despite plans for a safe walking route falling through. Cabinet members agreed on Tuesday to close the existing Alderman Leach Primary School in Cockerton and move it
A REDCAR footballer is realising her dreams of one day being a professional soccer star. Becky Angus, 17, has been spotted by talent scouts and signed to play for an American college ladies' team and will fly out to Tennessee today. She will make her
THE Middlesbrough Motor Club ran a centre trial at Centre Farm, Battersby, last Saturday evening, when 68 riders attempted four laps of a ten-section course. The adult class was won by Richard Jeal, riding a Beta, with a loss of just two marks, beating
THE family of a man fighting for his life after a vicious beating has pleaded for the public to help police catch the culprits. Mark Connorton, 37, was found unconscious with severe head injuries on a Redcar street at 3am on Sunday. He was in a critical
A cabbie has become the third North-East taxi driver in eight weeks to scoop the National Lottery jackpot. Ken Graham, 62, picked up a £625,483 share in Saturday's £4.3m jackpot prize. His win comes weeks after Bob Frazer, 58, won £14m on the Lotto Extra
LOW fares airline Ryanair has been ranked among the top 40 companies in the world by US magazine Wired. The magazine rated companies on their role in reshaping the global economy and considered criteria such as innovation, technology, strategic vision
WENSLEYDALE Petanque Club held a very successful melee doubles open tournament at Akebar Park on Sunday. The event was won by Sean Bradford, from Hunton, who also won the singles winter league. The melee doubles follow a traditional French format that
A University lecturer has won an award worth £50,000, in recognition of her contribution to teaching. Barbara Graziosi, a lecturer in classics at Durham University, is one of 20 winners in the UK to receive the National Teaching Fellowship Award 2003,
Following Alan Milburn's resignation in order to spend more time with his children, Women's Editor Christen Pears considers the problems fathers face finding the right work - life balance. BRINGING up a child is the most important task many of us will
FAITH in the future strength of the stock market is slowly returning, according to a survey. The Abbey National found two-thirds of investors believe the equities will recover in the next five years. The report showed the majority of people whose financial
Yorkshire have closed their ears to those who pour scorn on the new Twenty20 Cup and today they will be putting the final touches to a strategy which they hope will see them win the final at Trent Bridge on July 19. A combination of wanting to restore
VOTERS in a North-East borough are this morning awaiting the outcome of a poll to elect a new mayor. The election was prompted by the resignation of Tory Chris Morgan following his arrest for an alleged indecent assault and possession of child porn -
Pleasure Seekers (ITV1): Malcolm In The Middle (BBC2) What Pleasure Seekers needed was Peter Snow with his swingometer. That would have enabled the makers of this series about Brits behaving naughtily to challenge Dirty David's claim to be the King of
MORE than 1,000 fish have died in a Guisborough beck after a sewage tank overflowed. All life along a 4.5km stretch of Howl Beck has been wiped out, just three years after it was restocked with fish following another pollution incident. More than 1,000
A DETECTIVE who left a man brain-damaged when he felled him with a single punch has been jailed for 15 months. Father-of-three Graeme McMillan, 44, was sent crashing to the ground when he sprang to the defence of his wife following a lewd comment from
A CENTRE to help North-East businesses will be solar powered. The International and Creative Business Centre, in Gateshead town centre, is getting a solar roof, with the help of a £102,000 grant from the Department for Trade and Industry. It is one of
ALAN Milburn told last night how the pressure of balancing the demands of Government with family life had made him a "deeply unhappy" man. Speaking exclusively to The Northern Echo at the Department of Health in London, the Darlington MP revealed the
GARETH SOUTHGATE last night defended England's newest defensive partnership after coming through a baptism of fire with a few burns. The Middlesbrough defender and Birmingham City's Matthew Upson played their first full game together at the heart of a
HEALTH SERVICE: THE latest Conservative idea for the health service is to give everyone a health passport that would enable us to choose whether to go to a NHS or a private hospital for treatment if we needed it. It would give freedom to those who had
FAST-TALKING salesmen and glossy brochures are not the only way to get a customer's attention. And according to magicians David and Angelique Diamond, their £10,000 illusion is more effective than any number of signs and adverts. The device was one of
COUNCIL tax dodgers are among the most prolific in the region in Prime Minister Tony Blair's Sedgefield constituency, according to a new study. A report published by PricewaterhouseCoopers shows non-payment of council tax cost local authorities in England
PLANS to erect two wind turbines on site at Teesdale's largest employer are on the cards in a bid to produce pollution-free electricity, the D&S Times can reveal. Pharmaceutical multinational GlaxoSmithKline is looking at the feasibility of building
Sir, - So Coun Langthorne now counts surveyor or structural engineer on his CV (D&S report, June 6). I have today made my own observations of the old Wilfords mill chimney, apart from the base which is not accessible to me. Using binoculars and a
A LONE campaigner against dualling of the A66 trans-Pennine route has sent further comments to a public inquiry following the latest fatal accident on the road. Dr Kevin Connolly, of Aldbrough St John, fears dualling will not prevent the sort of accident
VANDALS have smashed battlements on the tower of Whitby's 12th Century clifftop parish church. It is the latest in a series of attacks on St Mary's, said churchwarden John Hemson. "We believe the culprits climbed on to the roof, possibly to look for lead
IT was almost inevitable that after two record-breaking months, the weather would return to nearer the norm. However, with a final fling during the last week, May too, overall, became quite sunny and mild. With our area faring better than most of Britain
A SINGING grandma has been crowned the North-East's most talented popstar pensioner. Rose Bottomley, 64, won the North-East area final of the magazine Yours' Silver Stars talent contest. She was one of 15 battling it out at Middlesbrough Theatre and won
A NEW exhibition showcasing the magic of puppetry through the work of young people is up and running. The display of pictures and puppets in the Theatre Gallery at the Lamplight Arts Centre in Front Street, Stanley, is the end result of a seven-month
THE 18th annual Eastgate Sheep Show attracted a good turnout on what was the hottest day of the year. The Swaledale gimmer section was won by C C and A E Martin with a gimmer shearling, which was also female and local champion. The Swaledale male section
HORSE behaviourist Richard Maxwell is a guest of Voice of the Horse at Houghall College, Durham later this month. Pam Ainsworth, BHS organiser, said: "Horses have a lot of senses which humans have a habit of messing up. "Richard Maxwell deals with horses
A North Yorkshire veterinary surgeon, forced to quit the profession after suffering a spinal injury, has started a new career in law. Madeleine Forsyth is doing a Bar vocational course at Newcastle University and says that, when she qualifies, will be
FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - A singular accident took place at a slaughter-house outside Durham on Saturday night. While a beast was being prepared to be killed it turned suddenly on one of the workers when his back was turned and butted him.
A FEUD over a breeding centre for birds of prey ended in confrontation, a court has heard. Magistrates in Richmond, North Yorkshire, were told that 45-year-old Mark Robb, of the Stables, Holme Lane, Great Broughton, wanted to build on the North York Moors
THE stories of theatre and cinema in Durham City go hand-in-hand, and over the next five weeks, we will look at the development of both forms of entertainment in the city over 300 years. Starting with the early development of Georgian theatre in 1722,
A DAIRY initiative in Cumbria aims to increase farm gate prices. The county is one of the country's largest milk producers but dairy farmers receive only an average 17p a litre at the farm gate, about 10p a litre less than ten years ago. The initiative
A WOMAN who mistakenly entered a woodwork class while making her way to a Christmas decorations workshop ended up taking up the subject to enable her to build dolls' houses. Carolyn Upton, who lives at Eggleston, has always had an interest in handicrafts
MICHAEL OWEN last night joined Sven-Goran Eriksson in begging England fans: Be patient with Wayne Rooney. While Owen took the plaudits at the Riverside on Wednesday, Rooney failed to produce the form that galvanised England against Turkey in April. The
A TRADER who started out with one barrow at the Gateshead MetroCentre has won a national industry award. Collectables, which has three stores in the centre, has won the Independent Retailer of the Year, Midlands and the North, at the recent Greats Awards
Bedale & West of Yore PC. - July 24: Senior one-day event, contact Mrs F A Blaine, 01845 526185. Pony club area J: Enquiries for Helen Crockett novice one-day event on Aug 5 to Mrs F A Blaine, 01845 526185. Braes of Derwent PC. - Jun 28: Summer show
A preacher who groomed a schoolgirl for sexual abuse by taking advantage of her Christian beliefs was jailed for eight years yesterday. Born Again Christian Robin Brown, 51, told the teenager she would get closer to God if she engaged in acts with him
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight. Publisher: Microsoft. Format: PC CD-ROM. Price: £49.99 MICROSOFT'S Flight Simulator seems to have been around for almost as long as powered flight itself. In fact, it's been around for 20 years - making
The Internet has changed many aspects of our lives. We shop online, gather information, read the news and research online. We use email to maintain important contacts with family and friends. But one of the most exciting and enjoyable uses is the planning
PENSIONERS in a North-East town are enjoying a better quality of life after a successful campaign to tell them about benefits. It is less than a year since the Pensioners Benefits Take-up campaign was launched in Middlesbrough, after it was revealed hundreds
A COUNCIL has paid tribute to a Chester-le-Street councillor who died suddenly this week. Chester-le-Street District councillor Keith Lambert, 59, died of what is believed to have been a heart attack. On Tuesday, his colleagues on the council paid tribute
GOVERNORS are due to have talks over the controversial renaming of a village school, it emerged yesterday. Parents were furious last week after it was revealed that a new £3m facility in Middleton St George, near Darlington, was to be called St Andrew's
THE body of a man has been found lying at the foot of a cliff. Police are not treating the death, near Guisborough, North Yorkshire, as suspicious, but are keeping an open mind and are appealing to the public for any information. The man, in his late
BRITISH sheep farmers can look forward to a better price for their wool this season. The British Wool Marketing Board said prospects had improved considerably over the last year. A global shortage and an excellent run of British wool sales between November
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a suspected hit-and-run which left a cyclist badly injured by a roadside. Anthony Heels, 20, suffered a broken collarbone and cuts and bruises when he was knocked off his bike in Newton Aycliffe last weekend. Mr Heels
A TWO-year-old maiden heifer from H D Atkinson's Monarch Farms, Holmfirth, took the supreme championship at the spring show and sale of pedigree Limousin breeding cattle, held on behalf of the North-East Limousin Breeders' Club at SkiptonaAuction mart
VISITORS to Shildon Gala tomorrow will be able to test their sharpshooting skills with the help of soldiers from Durham's own regiment. Members of the Durham Light Infantry recruiting team are taking their 25m mobile paintball range to the event in the
ENGLAND'S explosive Euro 2004 decider with Turkey could be played behind closed doors, UEFA warned last night. The Turks are facing the prospect of having their supporters banned from the October 11 match after Macedonia players were bombarded with missiles
A CHARITY has thanked a council for organising free day trips for elderly people. Great Aycliffe Town Council has been organising the outings for more than 20 years. The number of trips has increased in recent years and this year they have proved more
A warrant without bail was issued for David Recker, 31, of Herbert Street, Darlington, yesterday after he failed to attend South Durham Magistrates' Court. Mr Recker is charged with a string of driving offences plus assault, theft and failing to surrender
THE Chester-le-Street fundraising group for St Cuthbert's Hospice, Durham, is organising a coach trip to the Lake District on Saturday, July 12. Two coaches have been laid on, and tickets cost £9. The coach will leave Chester-le-Street Market Place at
A 19-YEAR-OLD who burgled his mother's home twice was sent to a young offenders' institution for 18 months yesterday. John Paul Cairns, of Cresswell Road, Grangetown, admitted three charges of burglary when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court. Martina
MIDDLESBROUGH Mayor Ray Mallon has spent this week paying tribute to the role that carers are playing in society He has taken part in a week-long programme of events in the town to highlight the growing opportunities available to them for learning, training
A CHURCH website has won this month's Communigate Pick of the Month competition. St Paul's Church, in Spennymoor, set up the website with the help of The Northern Echo's Communigate programme. Communigate websites are free and advice on setting them up
A RIDING competition where able-bodied and disabled riders compete against each other is to be held on Teesside The Unicorn Centre, in Hemlington, Middlesbrough, run by Riding for the Disabled, is holding a summer fair on Saturday, June 21. There will
VOTERS in a North-East borough are this morning awaiting the outcome of a poll to elect a new mayor. The election was prompted by the resignation of Tory Chris Morgan following his arrest for an alleged indecent assault and possession of child porn -
COUNTY council departments are to be asked to stop charging the authority's social services for promoting the need for foster parents on its vehicles. Councillor Betsy Hill, of Pickering, said at the Ryedale area committee meeting that it was "totally
EFFORTS to ensure visitors have a good time while visiting the Yorkshire Dales have won accolades in an independent report. The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has been praised by the Audit Commission for its efforts to ensure the public have
AN innovative carers organisation held a conference to mark its first birthday yesterday. Partners in Care - pioneered by Sunderland's social services directorate and independent care providers throughout the city - announced at the Stadium of Light event
ARTISTIC schoolchildren have brought a ray of sunshine to Durham Cathedral. The Great West Door of the historic building has been adorned with 55 colourful panels, all on a sunflower theme, by youngsters from 14 local primary schools. The banners were
THE grounds of an historic property will be daily throughout the summer. It is hoped the move at Gisborough Priory will improve visitor numbers to Guisborough, once the capital of Cleveland. Figures show the number of people visiting the Tourist Information
A TOTAL of £30,000 has been given to the primary care trust covering the Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale area to help combat teenage pregnancies. The trust says Scarborough has the highest teenage pregnancy rates in North Yorkshire at 32 per cent of girls
Music fans across the region are just days from a great night of live rock and pop music from three of the North-East's unsigned acts. The Big Chance competition, produced in partnership by The Northern Echo and TFM radio, is seeking the region's top
SCOTTON sidecar driver Greg Lambert overcame the disappointment of a race one retirement to claim a deserved rostrum spot in the second of the two sidecar TTs held on the Isle of Man last week. Partnered by Manxman Daniel Sayle, Lambert suffered problems
CHILDREN and teachers at a Darlington school enjoyed a living history lesson yesterday. Whinfield Primary School in Darlington held a Victorian day to bring the era to life for the pupils. The children were invited to swap their school uniforms for costumes
REDCAR lifeboat has been launched three times in four days. The crew were last called out on Wednesday to help a yacht in distress on Saltscar Rocks. The Hartlepool yacht Merlin was dangerously close to the rocks, but a man, woman and dog aboard were
UPSTAIRS rooms in Bishop Auckland opticians Specsavers were evacuated yesterday when staff noticed fumes coming from a computer room. A crew from the town's fire station was called to the shop, in Newgate Street at lunchtime. Sub-officer Andy Whitehead
A DISQUALIFIED teenage motorcyclist was jailed for five months yesterday after riding his machine while over the legal drink-drive limit. Mark Donald Appleby, of Latimer Road, Darlington, was arrested by police after he was spotted riding around the town
POLICE are asking for people with information about an arson attack at a block of flats in Middlesbrough to come forward. The attack happened yesterday on the tenth floor of a block of flats in Ingoldsby Road, in the town's Netherfields area, at about
A FORMER dentist is the new man in charge of protecting the health of people living in the Durham dales. David Landes has been appointed director of public health for the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust after working as acting director since August last
A RANGE of fun science events for children is being held next week at a North-East university. Science is Great includes the Forces Science Show, hosted by Techniquest, the UK's leading science discovery centre, and the Starlab Planetarium. The show,
A preacher who groomed a schoolgirl for sexual abuse by taking advantage of her Christian beliefs was jailed for eight years yesterday. Born Again Christian Robin Brown, 51, told the teenager she would get closer to God if she engaged in acts with him
THE city of York is leading the UK when it comes to the Internet broadband revolution. The number of high-speed connections in the city grew by almost double the national average last year, according to BT. Regional director Brian Greenwood said the rate
POLICE are trying to trace the last movements of a man found with severe injuries in the street. Mark Connorton, 37, of Marske, was critically ill and unconscious yesterday, after being found with serious head injuries at 3am on Sunday. The divorced father-of-one
BENEFIT cheats in the Richmondshire area have been given a stark warning by the local council's fraud officers. Their caution comes after a number of successful prosecutions against fraudsters during the past 12 months. There have been four cases leading
AN Army major from Leyburn will be hoping to show the Navy a thing or two when he joins a 3,600-mile yacht race across the Atlantic. Robin Bolton, of the Royal Artillery, has left his base at Catterick Garrison to join a 14-man crew on board Discoverer
THE Chester-le-Street fundraising group for St Cuthbert's Hospice, Durham, is organising a coach trip to the Lake District on Saturday, July 12. Two coaches have been laid on, and tickets cost £9. The coach will leave Chester-le-Street Market Place at
A Parade of Ministries will take place at the Christian Life Centre, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, on Sunday. The free event is designed to give an insight into how much churches invest in local communities.
HARTLEPOOL Mayor Stuart Drummond may not have delivered his pre-election promise of free bananas for every pupil, but he is still ahead of the bunch when it comes to healthy eating. To prove his commitment to a wholesome diet, the Mayor has given his
THE difficulties faced by disabled people past and present were the subject of two thought-provoking plays in Hartlepool yesterday. As many as 20 people with learning difficulties were on stage at the Warren Road Day Centre to mark the European Year of
TEENAGE sensation Becky Angus is kicking off her football career in the United States. The 17-year-old from Redcar is already dreaming of stepping out in front of 90,000 fans as part of America's Women's Soccer Cup final after being awarded a four-year
PARISH councillors hoping for a new bus shelter on their village green have been told they may be getting the old one back. People living in Sadberge, near Darlington, have asked Darlington Borough Council to provide a modern shelter for the centre of
PARISH councillors hoping for a new bus shelter on their village green have been told they may be getting the old one back. People living in Sadberge, near Darlington, have asked Darlington Borough Council to provide a modern shelter for the centre of
DETECTIVES in Chester-le-Street are warning people to secure their gardening equipment. Police say that although there is often an increase in shed and garden break-ins at this time of year, they have noticed an unusually big increase since April. The
THE firm responsible for maintaining miles of British railway track yesterday announced massive profits for the financial year in which the Potters Bar train disaster occurred. Infrastructure firm Jarvis said the crash had cast a shadow over 12 months
THE Chester-le-Street fundraising group for St Cuthbert's Hospice, Durham, is organising a coach trip to the Lake District on Saturday, July 12. Two coaches have been laid on, and tickets cost £9. The coach will leave Chester-le-Street Market Place at
RESIDENTS in the North York Moors National Park are bracing themselves for months of disruption during work to improve their water. Yorkshire Water will carry out work in the Westerdale, Castleton, Danby, Ainthorpe and Ugthorpe areas to address water
COUNCIL bosses last night pledged to find the cash to keep new-style law enforcers on North-East streets once Government funding runs out. The region was the first to introduce teams of uniformed officers to work alongside police to target burglars, persistent
THREE graduates are being offered a green route to employment, at least for the summer holidays and maybe permanently. Former students Ann-Marie Edwards, a countryside warden at Guisborough Forest and Walkway, and Jonathon Green, working for the Forestry
SCHADENFREUDE is a wonderful word. Literally translated from the German it means "shame-joy" or revelling in the misfortune of others. It's something I try not to indulge in but I have to admit allowing myself a smile after reading that Mark Langford,
AN emergency jobs summit takes place today as officials attempt to stop the axe falling on more jobs in a hard hit part of the region. Key figures will meet to try to find a way to turn round the fortunes of Wear Valley's economy, which has suffered a
IT HAS been a week dominated by the utterly predictable. It astonishes me that people are surprised by the reluctance of the England footballers to acknowledge them while training at Hurworth. What else can we expect from such blinkered buffoons? Then
FEARS that council tax in Redcar and Cleveland could be raised by as much as 12pc next year have prompted a major financial review. Senior councillor Glyn Nightingale, of the new ruling coalition at Redcar and Cleveland Council, has asked council chief
PROPOSALS to radically alter the political make-up of several key North-East constituencies have been rejected by a Government body. The Boundary Commission for England visited Darlington in January to hear views on its recommendations to change the political
INCREASES in air traffic could lead to a new flight path being created across the North York Moors National Park. This is the forecast of the Council for the Protection of Rural England whose new publication and maps, Flying to Distraction, highlights
THE stories of theatre and cinema in Durham City go hand-in-hand, and over the next five weeks, we will look at the development of both forms of entertainment in the city over 300 years. Starting with the early development of Georgian theatre in 1722,
A SCHEME aimed at combating rogue traders, bogus callers and distraction burglaries is in line for a national award. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Homeguard scheme is being considered for the Brindley Medal, awarded by the Trading Standards Institute
SCHADENFREUDE is a wonderful word. Literally translated from the German it means "shame-joy" or revelling in the misfortune of others. It's something I try not to indulge in but I have to admit allowing myself a smile after reading that Mark Langford,
THE moving story of how a mother has helped others following her daughter's violent death is to be aired on televsion. Out of Tragedy, to be screened by ITV next month, looks at how Marjorie Stuttle found the strength to set up a charity for backpackers
EPSOM glory went, not unnaturally, to Kieren Fallon, who landed the Derby on the English-trained Kris Kin, but our glory boys were Mark Johnston and David Nicholls. The Middleham trainer, who has been in amazing form of late, won the Listed Woodcote Stakes
A YOUNG cricketer has joined the sport's legends after batting a remarkable over. Anthony McMahon scored six sixes in a row, a feat which equals the achievements of some of the sport's heroes. He ranks alongside cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers and
DETECTIVES hunting a hit-and-run driver following a pensioner's death are urging back-street garages to help. Police say the distinctive BMW convertible which killed great-grandmother Betty Cooper, 87, was badly damaged in the impact and would stay in
IT HAS been a week dominated by the utterly predictable. It astonishes me that people are surprised by the reluctance of the England footballers to acknowledge them while training at Hurworth. What else can we expect from such blinkered buffoons? Then
A DETECTIVE who left a man brain-damaged when he felled him with a single punch has been jailed for 15 months. Father-of-three Graeme McMillan, 44, was sent crashing to the ground when he sprang to the defence of his wife following a lewd comment from
WHEN I was a very small boy, I used to trek onto the moors above my home and return with samples of plants. It was a regular trip because the specimens I collected always died, so I had to go off in search of replacements. Now, of course, I know why they
MIDDLESBROUGH last night confirmed for the first time they are interested in signing Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips. Hot-shot Phillips's spell on Wearside is expected to come to an emotional end this summer following the Black Cats' relegation to the
PUPILS have turned a derelict corner of their school into a colourful memorial garden in memory of teenagers who died. The remembrance garden was built at Easington Community School, County Durham, in memory of three of the school's pupils, Mark Ditchburn
HEALTH professionals from around the world will descend on the region today to share the latest techniques in providing crucial care for newborn premature babies. South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust will host its annual neonatal conference at the University
AN ancient legal process could be invoked if the grade II listed cobbles in Richmond market place are not repaired. The town council is to investigate using a writ of mandamus to pressurise North Yorkshire County Council into maintaining the Market Place
ARMY cadets are learning about the origins of the cap-badge they wear with their uniforms. Youngsters from across Cleveland are taking part in visits to the Green Howards Regimental Museum, in Richmond, North Yorkshire. And among the things they are discovering
COMPETITORS at the Zetland Hunt PC showcross had a fun day in the sunshine and showers at Manfield on May 18. The course was encouraging, with a few more ambitious fences for the open classes. The event was held by kind permission of Mr Chris Graham.
THE grounds of an historic property will be daily throughout the summer. It is hoped the move at Gisborough Priory will improve visitor numbers to Guisborough, once the capital of Cleveland. Figures show the number of people visiting the Tourist Information
AN ORGANISATION set up to improve the quality of life for young families in north-west Durham celebrated its achievements with a family fun day this weekend. Sure Start West Derwentside invited parents and children from Annfield Plain, Delves Lane, Leadgate
A TEAM from Cleveland Police finished fourth in the National Police Life Saving Championships in Lisburn, Northern Ireland. Chief Constable Sean Price, said: "I was pleased that the team performed so well and commend them greatly for their fitness and
A TEENAGE girl who was struck by two cars on Monday evening has died in hospital. Sarah Temple, 16, suffered serious head injuries in the accident on the A167 near Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. The accident happened at about 10.15pm at the junction
For centuries, families in Wear Valley have earned their crust by using the natural advantages offered by one of the most spectacularly beautifully, yet isolated parts of the country. The Dale provided rich pickings - land for farming and cattle, while
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004: A Century of Flight. Publisher: Microsoft. Format: PC CD-ROM. Price: £49.99 MICROSOFT'S Flight Simulator seems to have been around for almost as long as powered flight itself. In fact, it's been around for 20 years - making
Sir, - Great Ayton High Street Closure Farce - in the style of a Fifties Ealing comedy: The scene is set at a meeting of the parish council in fictitious village of Much-Bowling-by-the-Leven ... Coun Bluerinse: Are we all agreed, we write to the district
SOME of Yorkshire's largest country estates are to open their gates to schoolchildren in the next few weeks in a move to promote awareness and understanding of the countryside. Almost 700 seven to 11-year-olds from 16 schools will meet farmers, foresters
