THE army has been urged to make a start on its proposed £11m sports complex at Catterick Garrison or risk losing £450,000 funding from Richmondshire District Council. The authority is also to demand an urgent meeting with Sport England to ask why the
HAVEN'T got time for a meal? Have a bar of something instead. Fruit and cereal bars are the latest form of easy food on the go. Ideal if you've missed breakfast, for a school lunch box or if you're out and about. And they sound so healthy, don't they?
POLICE are to be urged to open Richmond police station 24 hours a day following a major review of crime and safety in Richmondshire. A report by the district council's community and environment scrutiny committee made the re-opening of the cells in Richmond
IT'S incredible to Spectator that John Weighell, a seasoned campaigner at all three levels of local government, should profess to be puzzled as to why a committee system adopted by his own town council at Bedale has backfired so dismally. The answer is
LIVESTOCK farmers and members of the meat industry can learn about the new Quality Standard Scheme for beef and lamb at first hand next week. The English Beef and Lamb Executive is holding an open meeting at the Three Tuns Hotel in Durham on Monday, at
DURHAM University has been ranked as the region's top university in a new guide. It not only takes the honours in the North-East, but it has also been shortlisted for the Sunday Times University of the Year. Durham is the biggest riser in the publication's
TWO supermarket workers proved they were close colleagues after spending the day handcuffed together. Helen Crosby and Jackie Mallows, who work at the Asda store in Winbush Way, Darlington, raised money for breast cancer care by spending an entire shift
ALTHOUGH they are often in the firing line for criticism, there are many dedicated local councillors serving this region, people who stood up to be counted because they wanted to make a difference. There are numerous examples of councillors whose commitment
A MAN obsessed with the emergency services launched his own ambulance service and tried to transport patients dressed as a paramedic. Terence Cooper has an astonishing history of impersonating police officers, donning uniforms, checking cars and turning
PLANS to remove Victorian features from High Row in Darlington as part of a pedestrianisation plan have sparked fury among conservationists. Darlington Civic Trust claims the borough council's decision to get rid of the granite steps, iron railings, retaining
AN initiative to provide affordable homes to enable young people to live and work in North Yorkshire is proving a major success, says Ryedale Housing Association (RHA). The association, part of the Yorkshire Housing Group, has provided 19 homes for rent
A RURAL council has been praised for the way in which it handles benefit fraud. An inspection report into the way Teesdale District Council administers housing benefit, council tax benefit and counter-fraud activity was published yesterday. The report
A POLICE sergeant is planning to travel 3,000m on a charity touring event the day after retiring from the North Yorkshire force. Paul Wren, 54, from Thirsk will travel to Italy with 100 Minis at the end of next month in an event called The Italian Job
A COUNCILLOR is fighting plans to turn a former Victorian viewing platform and tunnel entrance into a home. The structure, near the Valley Gardens, Saltburn, known locally as The Look-Out, has views across Huntcliff, and once formed the entrance to a
EIGHTEEN teams of teenagers raced home-made electric cars in an environmentally-friendly endurance event yesterday. The Greenpower Electric Car Marathon was held at Croft Circuit, near Darlington. The six-hour race for secondary school pupils had prizes
A COUNCIL decision to knock down garages for housing has angered residents. Tenants of 16 garages in I'Anson Road, Richmond, have been given 14 days to vacate by Richmondshire District Council. The authority has entered into an agreement with Tees Valley
A TAPESTRY is being created in honour of a remote youth hostel's methods of saving energy and protecting the countryside. The work of art will go on display at various venues to highlight efforts made by manager Ewan Boyd in the hostel at Langdon Beck
A languages programme is being launched for adult learners. North Yorkshire County Council is offering courses in French, Spanish, Italian, German, Greek, Russian and Urdu as part of its 2004-05 schedule. County councillor Jim Clark, executive member
A GROUP of North-East councils has been awarded £450,000 to encourage people to recycle more. The funding, for Darlington, Chester-le-Street, Durham City, Derwentside, Easington, Sedgefield, Wear Valley and Teesdale, will be used to employ eight people
THE annual memorial service for the founder of the region's first mining union will be held tomorrow. Thomas Hepburn, who lived from 1795 to 1864 and started the Northumberland and Durham Pitmen's Union, will be remembered at St Mary's Church, Heworth
HISTORY enthusiasts will launch their latest book next weekend. Wheatley Hill Local History Club will hold a local history day in the village's Workingmen's Club, in Quilstile Road, on September 25. The club will launch its second book, The Weardale Coal
DRINKERS stuck for transport after a night on the ale can now get a lift home from mine host. Peter Seed, landlord of The Woodman Inn, Gilesgate, Durham, has started his own private hire business. Mr Seed, who has run the pub with his wife, Paula, for
THE Government has given approval for the controversial use of part of The Sands in Durham as a car park. The recreation land, common land owned by the city council, is needed to house 195 spaces that will be lost while the nearby Walkergate car park
A FOOTPATH leading to a children's play area is to be built near playing fields at Marske. The aim is to improve wheelchair access to Marske Playing Fields, so that it complies with regulations demanded by the Disability Discrimination Act. Susan Preston
AN action group is calling for help from the public in getting Saltburn's Red River cleaned up. A stream, which flows through Saltburn Gill Nature Reserve to Saltburn beach, is known locally as Red River because of iron ore leaking into it from a disused
YOUNGSTERS from a primary school in Middlesbrough received a visit from Walter the water vole and Ricky the rat to expand their knowledge about life on the riverside. Tees Valley Wildlife Trust and Busy Ape Arts called in to Overfields School to raise
VANDALS broke into St Thomas' Church in Pallister Park, Middlesbrough and removed a statue of Jesus and candlestick holder after smashing two windows at the rear. Both were later found damaged in the church grounds. A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police
THE growing popularity of Harrogate's Autumn Flower Show, which runs until Sunday, could see another record breaker on the cards. Last year's event produced a record crowd of 36,313 with attendances generally rising from 1997 when 28,160 people went through
AN exhibition exploring the most gross aspects of human nature will leave the region next week. Grossology, the Impolite Science of the Human Body, has been a massive success for the Life Science Centre, in Newcastle. The exhibition uses interactive games
A LAND and property agency and an auction mart this week made the first of what is expected to be many donations to an agricultural charity. George F White and Hawes auction mart announced on Monday that they would give 10pc of the commission on all their
PART of a town's heritage comes under the auctioneer's hammer in the North-East, next week. Newcastle-based auctioneers Thomas Watson's are selling a collection of Linthorpe Pottery, in 75 lots, at their Northumberland Street salesroom on Tuesday. Middlesbrough
AN arts venue has announced its latest line-up of events. The Shed, based in Brawby, near Malton, North Yorkshire will begin its autumn season on October 15 when Jim Diamond and Snake Davis perform at Hovingham Village Hall. A more unusual performance
SUNDERLAND have cushioned the blow of having to pay out up to £1m on three of their summer signings by adding Birmingham City's Darren Carter to their ranks. Carter's arrival, on a three- month loan, has moved Sean Thornton a step closer to leaving the
A NEWLY-OPENED business is promising to bring jobs and foreign contracts to the region. Northern Grinding and Granulating Equipment Engineering has opened in Middlesbrough with the help of a £7,800 Enterprise Grant from regional development agency, One
TWO North-East contestants are a step closer to winning a place in one of the world's toughest events. Army officer Richard Jackson and offshore engineer Nicky Scott, both from Newcastle, have passed the first test in a gruelling selection process to
HAMBLETON District Council has refused to move on a controversial policy for collecting rubbish from properties in isolated areas. More than 900 farmers and country dwellers in the district will not have their curtilage waste collection reinstated after
CELEBRITIES and political heavyweights will join the by-election campaign in Hartlepool this weekend. Former television chat show host Robert Kilroy-Silk will be in town tomorrow to lend his support to UK Independence Party candidate Stephen Allison.
IT doesn't seem that long ago since a joke was doing the rounds that Stephen Harmison's website could be accessed on www.www. Now the wides have vanished from his repertoire and he's the world's top-ranked bowler, which was rightly celebrated at Durham's
"I HAVEN'T heard anyone say that since I was a child," exclaimed a woman my own age sitting next to me. I'd just refused the offer of a box, saying I'd keep my newly-bought footwear on, thank you, as I put my sensible lace-ups into my shoulder bag. "So
BARNARD CASTLE. - Tues of last week. Fwd: 929 sheep. Prizes. - Ewes: 1 D Metcalfe; 2 I Watson; 3 D Metcalfe. Shlgs: 1 WT Robinson; 2 J Bainbridge; 3 D Metcalfe. Suff tup lamb: 1 J Spedding; 2 M Robson; 3 K Coatsworth. Suffolk shlg: 1&2 S Poulter;
CHARLES' Bistro in Thirsk is a little hidden gem on the dining out menu. Tucked away up-Baker's Alley, one of the market town's many such alleyways or ginnels, the bistro is a welcome alternative to the many pubs around the Market Square. Many of the
A NINETEENTH century painting of a stately home near Richmond has returned to its roots. The Friends of Kiplin Hall, near Scorton, bought the oil painting of the building, believed to be the work of a German artist who visited the house frequently between
MOTOR CYCLES: OVER the past year, the pressure group BAND (Bilsdale Against Noise and Danger) has campaigned for reduced speed limits and the introduction of speed cameras on the lethal stretch of the B1257 running through the National Park from Helmsley
Australian Phil Jaques plundered a rousing 173 against Glamorgan at Headingley yesterday and became the first Yorkshire batsman to complete 1,000 first class runs. When a third stoppage for bad light ended play with eight overs remaining, Yorkshire had
A GROUP of residents in Ingleby Barwick have formed a working committee with the aim of improving activities, facilities and community spirit in the area. Ingleby Barwick Residents' Network came into being earlier this month following a public meeting
THE third annual Ilkley sale of horses, ponies and donkeys for B H Gray and Son, conducted by Thirsk Auction Mart, saw bidding peak at 1,100gns for an eight-year-old fell mare with a filly foal at foot. Fell mares and foals averaged 906gns. Prices. -
THE Government yesterday called for a new director of security to be appointed at Westminster. Commons leader Peter Hain said parliamentary authorities in charge were living in a bygone age and said existing procedures were antiquated. His comments came
TELEPHONE chiefs have denied reports that some payphones facing the axe may have won a reprieve. BT Payphones' announcement that it wants to disconnect 664 of the region's network of 4,121 public phones because they are not paying their way has provoked
A bar and nightclub operator said intense competition in the leisure industry caused by more relaxed licensing regulations had not stopped it posting a 31 per cent rise in profits. Ultimate Leisure, which is based in Newcastle and has 20 sites across
THOUSANDS of people in the region will die from the asbestos-related lung disease mesothelioma over the next decade, it has been revealed. The statistics come in the latest Health and Safety Executive statistics, which show UK deaths linked to asbestos
ASTONISHED villagers are asking if this could be the most expensive shed in Britain. Offers of more than £30,000 will be considered for the former pub bottle store in Redmire, Wensleydale, North Yorkshire. Estate agents Charltons say the 130sq ft storeroom
A MAN with a passion for writing has launched a business offering customised and illustrated poetry. John Ivison set up Pinnacle Pictorial Poetry in March in a bid to provide a new outlet for poetic works to suit all occasions. Graphics are used to turn
Bedale & West of Yore PC. - Sept 19: Showcross, Londonderry, lead rein, triers, novice, open, schedules sae Mrs B Orkney, Glebe House, Spennithorne, Leyburn, N Yorks DL8 5PR. Sept 26: Mounted games training starts, 4-6pm, Catterick. For more details
by Robin Twizell RMD Agriculture CEREAL prices have remained unchanged, with a combination of farmer reluctance to sell at current levels and no news to improve values. Oilseed prices have drifted off a little, despite a US report that reduced their projected
DURHAM University has been ranked as the region's top university in a new guide. It not only takes the honours in the North-East, but it has also been shortlisted for the Sunday Times University of the Year. Durham is the biggest riser in the publication's
POLICE are cracking down on anti-social behaviour in Great Ayton following a spate of trouble in recent weeks. Sgt Sarah Sanderson from Stokesley police issued a warning to troublemakers, saying: "Be warned. Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated
After Fathers 4 Justice staged their most high-profile stunt yet at Buckingham Palace, Marylin Stowe, one of the country's leading family lawyers, explains why she changed her mind over the extremist group fighting for dad's rights. FATHERS 4 Justice
A swaggering teenage yob dubbed the Singing Defective by despairing police is facing a long jail term after mowing down a teenage boy in a stolen car. From the age of 14 Dean English was at the centre of a criminal network in his home town, which he terrorised
IT doesn't seem that long ago since a joke was doing the rounds that Stephen Harmison's website could be accessed on www.www. Now the wides have vanished from his repertoire and he's the world's top-ranked bowler, which was rightly celebrated at Durham's
ANCIENT Egyptians mummified their pets with as much care as they did humans, according to research carried out in the region. It had been a commonly held belief that during the time of the Pharaohs, animals were simply wrapped in coarse linen and dipped
There's a long way to go before politics can be described as the new football, but I have been pleasantly surprised at the level of interest being shown in the proposed directly-elected regional assembly for the North-East. Local newspapers have been
TAXPAYERS are facing a hefty bill after an error was spotted in a Government information leaflet on the proposed shake-up of local government in the North-East. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) is now sending out a one page letter rectifying
A CONTROVERSIAL Government leaflet explaining the forthcoming referendum on a North-East regional assembly has come under fire again - this time from blind and partially-sighted voters. Campaigners say the Government's Your Say leaflet discriminates against
A company is lighting the way for North-East exporters after winning a number of foreign orders to supply books of matches. The Perfect Match Company, in Sunderland, supplies matches for bars, hotels and restaurants in the UK and Europe. The company,
MILE-long races for boys and girls are one of the highlights of a children's sports day. But when the winners step up to receive their trophies from the mayor, they immediately have to hand them back - and there are no replicas. The trophies are then
TEENAGERS from Durham have enjoyed a trip on the high seas. Amy Haswell and Kaleung Lam, of New College, Durham, were among youngsters who helped to crew a Tall Ship as it sailed from Great Yarmouth to the Tyne. Also on board the Tall Ships Youth Trust
A North York Moors hotel is to be converted into flats following planning permission from the national park authority. The Moorlands Hotel, in Castleton High Street, is to be replaced by seven new one- and two-bedroom flats and will retain the owners'
In the third part of his look at Framwellgate Moor, David Simpson takes a look at the area's churches and local hostelries. Framwellgate Moor and the village of Old Pit came into being in the 1830s and 1840s with the opening of Framwellgate Moor Colliery
ALUN ARMSTRONG will make his Darlington debut tomorrow, with manager David Hodgson confident his new striker will benefit from his return to the North-East. Despite signing Armstrong on a short-term deal this week, Hodgson is under no illusions that the
BARRY NELSON takes a look inside a new centre for adults severely affected by autism. APPROACHING Newbus Grange down a long tree-lined drive, it is easy to imagine you are approaching a stately home. With its fairy-tale battlements and pointed Gothic
A North-East MP has found himself drawn into a global fraud. Sir Stuart Bell's name has been used by fraudsters in a complex internet scam. Using the MP's name as a cover con artists have fleeced unsuspecting vendors of racehorses, boats and luxury cars
EMPLOYEES of a doomed Northallerton garage have spoken of their feelings of betrayal as the dealership prepares to close. The D&S Times revealed last week that the Lookers Toyota garage in Darlington Road was to close at the end of the month to make
WATCHING proudly from the director's box, Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson's smile was as wide as the River Tees last night. In 1986 the Riverside Stadium was a mere pipe dream for a fresh-faced 28-year-old, whose only objective at the time was to
ONLY a fool would have their house on a horse in a 27-runner handicap, but that should not deter followers of Mystic Man indulging themselves with a modest each-way wager on Kevin Ryan's gelding for today's Ayr Silver Cup. Although Mystic Man has spent
THE Electoral Commission this week announced the identity of official Yes and No campaigns to lead the debate in November's referendum on an elected regional assembly. A Durham-based campaign group - North-East Says No - has become the official opposition
In the third part of his look at Framwellgate Moor, David Simpson takes a look at the area's churches and local hostelries. Framwellgate Moor and the village of Old Pit came into being in the 1830s and 1840s with the opening of Framwellgate Moor Colliery
A PEDIGREE Limousin breeders' sale at Carlisle saw a tremendous trade for breeding cattle from four pedigree herds with 78 lots grossing more than £240,000 and a leading price of 14,500gns. The sale featured production offerings from the Greenwell Herd
GOVERNMENT plans for the development of education in the UK have "massive and very serious" implications for children in rural areas like County Durham, one of the region's leading Labour councillors has claimed. Coun Neil Foster, Durham County cabinet
A DARLINGTON firefighter has won a gold medal after racing to victory in the World Firefighter Games. Alan Nixon, 30, of White Watch, beat off stiff competition to win the mountain bike event for Great Britain at the games, in Sheffield. Mr Nixon has
LOCAL authority transport planners and rail passenger campaigners have called for direct train links between Teesside and Tyneside to be reinstated immediately. A decision taken by the Strategic Rail Authority in May to axe 15 of the 19 daily direct trains
SEPTEMBER brings the welcome return of our garden birds. In the late summer, the wild birds which normally inhabit our garden at other times of the year all seem to disappear. They cannot be heard singing in the trees and bushes, nor can they be seen
POLICE have expressed concerns over controversial plans to close a mental health unit in the region and transfer services 20 miles away. Officers from Durham City are concerned about transferring vulnerable patients to Darlington if the city's psychiatric
HUNDREDS of jobseekers set themselves on the path to work yesterday when they met employers at Auckland Castle. Jobcentre Plus teamed up with the Wear Valley Action Team for Jobs and Job Brokers for a fair offering work opportunities and advice. Employers
THERE are few bigger or better sporting spectacles than the Ryder Cup. Played over three days, this is a rare occasion when two continents go head-to-head in team play rather than the every man for himself format normally associated with the professional
TEENAGERS from Durham have enjoyed a trip on the high seas. Amy Haswell and Kaleung Lam, of New College, Durham, were among youngsters who helped to crew a Tall Ship as it sailed from Great Yarmouth to the Tyne. Also on board the Tall Ships Youth Trust
They may be marketed as healthy fast food but cereal bars might only be a quick way of piling on the pounds. HAVEN'T got time for a meal? Have a bar of something instead. Fruit and cereal bars are the latest form of easy food on the go. Ideal if you've
LOCAL food producers and retailers are being urged to join a powerful new alliance which is expected to put the Durham Dales on the map for good food, drink and crafts. The Teesdale Marketing initiative, which is being planned under the Taste of Teesdale
AN inspirational sports coach who has transformed the lives of many of his pupils has been named Teacher of the Year at a surprise awards ceremony. Karl Wharton was presented with the award at Deerness Leisure Centre, at Ushaw Moor, in Durham City, this
An 18-year-old trainee electrician who was involved in a fight that nearly killed a man was spared jail today. Christopher Lawther was told by a judge he could have been in the dock facing a manslaughter charge because his victim's injuries had been so
REFRESHMENTS will be served for a trial period at the World of James Herriot in Thirsk, despite concerns that it may take business away from traders in the town. At a Hambleton District Council cabinet meeting on Tuesday, councillors agreed to allow an
POLICE plan further blitzes on alcohol-fuelled violence after officers hailed the success of a Government-backed summer campaign. Forces in North Yorkshire and Durham joined counterparts from across the country in carrying out a number of operations from
BARNARD CASTLE. - Wed of last week. Fwd: 2,016 sheep. Lambs lt to 116p av 102.8p; std to 111p av 106.9p; med to 117p av 109.4p; heavy to 114p av 108.6p. Cast sheep: Cont £34; Suff £35; Mule £30; Swale £18. DARLINGTON. - Thurs of last week. Fwd: 322 cattle
FRESH from a superb victory on the Speyside Stages based in Scotland a couple of weeks ago, Shildon rally driver Barry Johnson ventured north once again last weekend and came away with another win, this time on the Park Systems Furniture Stages Rally
MORE than 200 pensioners in the North-East and North Yorkshire have won compensation because they were wrongly denied free long-term care on the NHS. Figures from the Department for Health show that by July, the region's health authorities had processed
ONLY a fool would have their house on a horse in a 27-runner handicap, but that should not deter followers of Mystic Man indulging themselves with a modest each-way wager on Kevin Ryan's gelding for today's Ayr Silver Cup. Although Mystic Man has spent
NOBODY emerges from what should be the final chapter in the Richard Neale saga with any credit. The report compiled by Suzan Matthews QC spares few from blame for the series of blunders which brought the inept gynaecologist to Northallerton's Friarage
DURHAM University has been ranked as the region's top university in a new guide. It not only takes the honours in the North-East, but it has also been shortlisted for the Sunday Times University of the Year. Durham is the biggest riser in the publication's
THERE are few bigger or better sporting spectacles than the Ryder Cup. Played over three days, this is a rare occasion when two continents go head-to-head in team play rather than the every man for himself format normally associated with the professional
A SECOND major report has criticised social services in Darlington for having "unacceptably long" waiting times for occupational therapy. The review by the Commission for Social Care Inspection highlights the 25-month wait as a problem which needs addressing
NATIONAL Lottery presenter Gigi Morley joined a service to help disabled people back to work to celebrate a double jackpot. Durham County Council's Welfare to Work service has won its second major national award of the year. Only six months after it was
A CREW of pupils from a Darlington school are about to get their sea legs. Eight pupils and three supervisors from Beaumont Hill Special School are embarking on a three-day voyage along the North-East coast. Yesterday, they went to check out the Hartlepool
CELEBRITY gardener Alan Titchmarsh caused female hearts to flutter when he visited a North-East bookstore yesterday. The popular Ground Force and Gardener's World presenter, right, was at Ottakar's, in Darlington, to sign copies of his new novel, Rosie
POLICE chiefs in Darlington have reported a significant fall in crime levels this year - but admit more must be done to combat anti-social behaviour. Latest figures for the 2004/05 period so far show that there has been a 15.3 per cent decrease in recorded
A JOBS fair will take place in Gateshead MetroCentre from tomorrow until Sunday. Jobs on offer include more than 1,000 temporary vacancies at the centre. There will also be jobs with retailers in the centre's Red Mall, which will open on October 6. Employers
TRAVELLERS camped in an office car park have moved on. Earlier this week, 13 caravans moved to the Belmont Business Park in Durham, after being moved out of Gateshead, because no spaces were available in Durham County Council's six official sites for
A VENUE established only eight years ago is now generating millions of pounds a year for the local community, a report has revealed. The Yorkshire Event Centre was set up at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate in 1996, but now plays a key role
PEOPLE recovering from heart problems are taking a step-by-step approach to getting well. Derwentside Primary Care Trust (PCT) has handed out 20 pedometers to patients with heart issues. The small electronic devices count every step the holder walks.
THE Fat Controller paid a visit to Shildon Library to entertain youngsters with tales of Thomas The Tank Engine. The storytelling event, organised in conjunction with SureStart, took railways as its theme to coincide with the opening of the town's multi-million
A SLIMMER has lost six stones 4lbs in less than a year. The sudden drop from size 24 to size 12 has given a new lease of life to 37-year-old mother-of-three Jeanette Thompson, who lives in Peabody Street, Darlington. Mrs Thompson said yesterday, "I was
NATIONAL Lottery presenter Gigi Morley joined a service to help disabled people back to work to celebrate a double jackpot. Durham County Council's Welfare to Work service has won its second major national award of the year. Only six months after it was
VILLAGERS protesting against a wind farm say they remain unconvinced that the project is safe. Members of Trimdon Area Group Against Windfarms said an exhibition, by energy company EDF Energy at Trimdon Grange Community Centre yesterday, failed to convince
A NEW member has scooped a club record at a Butterknowle leek club's annual show. David Walton was awarded the champion leek grower prize at the Royal Oak's fifth annual show, with a stand of 200.64 cubic inches, a new club record. One of the winning
DARLINGTON Civic Trust has vowed to protect Darlington's heritage from a proposed £6.5m pedestrian town centre scheme. The trust this week launched a stinging attack against plans by urban planners, Gillespies, which would see the demolition of the historic
DIETS tend to get healthier as children become adults, according to a study carried out in the region. Researchers at Newcastle University analysed the changes in the diets of 200 schoolchildren over 20 years. Contrary to popular opinion, nutritionists
A NORTH Yorkshire farmer has diversified into supplying instant hedges. Ricky Pearson-Adams, of Long Row Hedges at Stearsby, near Easingwold, has developed a scheme to grow bushes to full size before delivering them to the required sites. The hedges are
CHILDREN with a perfect school attendance record are to be rewarded with a visit to St James' Park. Durham County Council hopes to find all children in the county with a 100 per cent attendance record in their final year at primary school for a presentation
A GROUP dedicated to bringing together women from west Middlesbrough for a little bit of pampering has been relaunched. Women's Improvements and Shared Health (Wish) aims to provide women of all ages with a range of new skills and experiences from its
A NEW tier of local government could be established in a large part of Durham City. Eight parishes in the city with a population of 24,618 do not have a parish council, unlike other parts of the district further from the city centre. Durham City Council
WORKS by one of the country's most renowned watercolorists have gone on show. Paul Hogarth, who died in 2001, was regarded as one of the greatest illustrators and graphic artists of modern times. Now, with the support of his widow, Diane, the National
FITNESS tycoon Duncan Bannatyne has re-applied for permission to develop land next to one of his health clubs, but has not told planners what he intends to build. The millionaire businessman, who was refused permission earlier this year for a multi-million
RONAN KEATING has rescheduled a Newcastle Arena gig that was to have been held on Sunday. The singer has moved his UK tour back 11 weeks because of recording commitments, and will perform at the venue on December 12. Tickets will still be valid. Tickets
A MOTORIST may have been killed as he swerved to avoid a pedestrian crossing a dual carriageway to get to a pub. Dale Skidmore's car careered out of control through a gap in the central reservation and into traffic on the opposite carriageway. Witness
Visitors to Rievaulx Abbey, near Helmsley, will be able to find out how doctors once treated illnesses and how patients were treated in medieval times. Costumed duo Heuristic will be taking a look at how the abbey's infirmary was used from 11.30am to
North Yorkshire pie makers I's Pies, of Melmerby, near Ripon, has won a contract to supply Waitrose. The firm, which only started trading last year, will supply the supermarket chain's new Harrogate branch. The bakers make pies using only ingredients
A WOMAN has helped save a life using skills she learned teaching youngsters how to deal with critical situations. Gillian Corking has received an award from Cleveland Fire Brigade for her quick thinking when she heard a woman screaming late one night
PATIENTS had to be evacuated from a hospital after a fire was deliberately started on one of the wards. A male patient is thought to have used a lighter to ignite cardboard bed pans and other supplies on a trolley at York Hospital. Eighty-six patients
Teenagers who have known each other all their school lives will not be separated when they become university students. Anthony Archer and Daniel Grimes have secured places on science courses at Oxford University after passing their A-level exams at Park
AMBULANCE bosses on Teesside have issued an urgent appeal for the return of scores of missing blankets. Nursing and care homes are being asked to help alleviate the service's acute shortage of blankets - by returning ones that were used to wrap round
MORE than 1,000 residents have joined a campaign fighting the planned closure of their village post office. The Durham Road branch in Blackhill, near Consett, is one of 11 across County Durham earmarked for closure in November. In less than two weeks,
TEENAGERS from Durham have enjoyed a trip on the high seas. Amy Haswell and Kaleung Lam, of New College, Durham, were among youngsters who helped to crew a Tall Ship as it sailed from Great Yarmouth to the Tyne. Also on board the Tall Ships Youth Trust
ACTIVITY sessions are being offered to people in Hartlepool. Yogawise, aerobics and bodybar tone classes are to be held in the Borough Hall buildings over coming weeks. The classes are being organised by Lorraine Harrison, the council's Headland health
A FILM based on the lives of young people who have experienced homelessness has been launched. Young people from the Shaidy Characters group, based in Stanley, have made a short video based on real examples of the problems that both lead to and cause
A GROUP of eight youngsters from County Durham have taken their first steps towards joining the famous Scots Guards regiment after enlisting into the Army. All eight joined up at the Army Careers Information Office, at Claypath, in Durham City. Among
A campaign by ordinary patients has helped to change the British medical world. As an inquiry condemns the way an incompetent surgeon was allowed to ruin the lives of many women, Health Correspondent Barry Nelson talks to the leaders of a phenomenally
MIDDLESBROUGH'S new striking heroes combined to make an historic occasion at the Riverside a memorable one for the jubilant Teesside faithful last night. And now, after summer signings Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Mark Viduka grabbed three goals between
Football fans who turned out in force for Middlesbrough's first venture into European cup competition have been praised by the police. Over 100 officers were on patrol for the game against Banik Ostrava, including two officers from the visiting club's
WALKERS can exercise their new countryside access rights in parts of the Yorkshire Pennines from Sunday. They are among the first in England to be opened up, but this has led to a warning for shoot managers. The new rights come in to effect at the height
THE second North-East all breeds calf show proved another resounding success, with 38 handlers showing 106 calves from 26 exhibitors. The North-East Ayrshire, North-Eastern Holstein Breeders', North-East of England Jersey and North-East Shorthorn clubs
A gang of football fans were jailed today for violent disorder after fighting with supporters from an opposing team. Middlesbrough fans Christopher Arthur, 22, Justin McLeary, 29, Glen Gilbert, 34, Lee Franklin, 24, Karl Rogers, 32, James Doyle, 24, Richard
GUISBOROUGH created a couple of records last weekend when they clinched the premier division championship for the fourth consecutive year. They became the first side in the history of the league, which was formed in 1893, to twice win the title in four
NEW Quakers signing Alun Armstrong will be hoping to make a similar impact to fellow new boy Craig Hignett when he makes his debut against Northampton Town at the Williamson Motors Stadium tomorrow. Hignett is sure to receive a warm welcome when he makes
My Crazy Parents (C4); I'll Show Them Who's Boss (BBC2): WE'RE so used to watching other people's misery, physical shortcomings and emotional distress on TV documentaries that it takes a lot to disturb us now. But My Crazy Parents was an unrelentingly
DOOM 3. Format: PC. Publisher: Activision. Developer: Id Software. Price: £40. Family friendly? You must be kidding. IS your PC ready for Doom 3? It's often said that games-making on the PC is a constant battle between the programmers and the manufacturers
VETERAN amateur footballer Nigel Hammond had a field day in his new soccer boots at the weekend. So much so, he could be heading for the record books. For Mr Hammond, 44-year-old centre forward for Askrigg Utd, has a good claim to fame after scoring a
JUBLIANT Middlesbrough boss Steve McClaren admitted his side couldn't have made a better European bow, writes Lee Hall. Boro beat Czech Republic champions Banik Ostrava 3-0 on a memorable night at the Riverside. The result should make the second leg a
HORSES and riders from the North-East struck gold in the British Riding Clubs National Championships last weekend. The Bishops Riding Club from County Durham are celebrating their best ever performance with three British titles and one unexpected second
A FAMILY from Stanley were among hundreds of North-East holidaymakers stranded in Florida by Hurricane Frances. They returned to the region last Thursday - and declared that the journey back was the worst part of their ordeal. The exhausted family arrived
A BEDALE town councillor who has resigned after only 16 months said this week that he felt his time had been wasted by needlessly long meetings. Mike Batty said in his resignation letter on Monday that "95pc rhetoric and 5pc substance would be generous
A two-year-old girl mown down by a car when it mounted a high street pavement, has died of her injuries, in hospital. Helen Dass and her partner Kevin Schwec were today said to be "devastated'' by the news of daughter Demi's death. The toddler was rushed
A NEWLY-OPENED business is promising to bring jobs and foreign contracts to the region. Northern Grinding and Granulating Equipment Engineering has opened in Middlesbrough with the help of a £7,800 Enterprise Grant from regional development agency, One
WELL, we won the GNER Doncaster Cup last Thursday - but not as expected. A dead heat split the spoils between John Dunlop's Arundel star, Millenary (Richard Quinn), and Kasthari, from deeply unfashionable Crook, where jumps trainer Howard Johnson is rapidly
A SMALL Methodist congregation is mourning the loss of its 133-year-old chapel. The Reverend Les Hann, who looks after eight chapels in Weardale, County Durham, said the decision to close the chapel at St John's Chapel was taken with a heavy heart. The
THE owner of a post office regularly attacked by vandals and burglars says he may have to close the business for good. David Whitehouse, who owns Eston post office in Eston High Street, said the cost of repairs and replacing stolen goods was becoming
SEPTEMBER. Autumn. The significance of the start of the fall probably goes unnoticed by many townsfolk for the holidays are over, the kids back at school and the commerce of the nation is grinding reluctantly back into action. In the countryside, however
A CLEVELAND farming family is through to the finals of the dairy industry's most highly- prized award. Paul, Molly and Mark Day, from Ingleby Greenhow, will find out next week if they have won the coveted National Milk Records/Royal Association of British
MARKS & Spencer is expected to terminate its clothing contract with England football captain David Beckham as part of efforts to cut costs. The deal with Beckham, who endorses the stores DB07 children's clothing collection, had been expected to run
A MAN behind a four-month 'reign of terror' has been banned from entering part of a housing estate for two years. Magistrates imposed an anti-social behaviour order on 20-year-old Derek Lee on Monday, following a string of incidents including burglary
BOTH Darlington clubs lost again last weekend and find themselves in the bottom four of National Three North after two games as they prepare for tomorrow's Powergen Cup first round ties. Darlington have to go back to Rugby Lions, where they lost their
A NATIONAL support network for male victims of domestic violence has prompted an overwhelming response since it was established in the North-East at the start of the month. More than 7,200 people have already sought help through the group's website in
SANDIE Davison arrived in Kilburn, near Thirsk, for a holiday some 20 years ago - but she has never left. It was apparent, as soon as the interview started, that she came from my neck of the woods - she talked as quickly as I do. She said: "I fell in
FRESH foods group Geest blamed the unprecedented impact of turbulence in the supermarket sector for a 16 per cent fall in half-year profits. The group, which employs about 400 people in Selby, North Yorkshire, saw margins come under pressure after chains
A MILITARY aircraft repair agency is expected to shed 500 jobs next year and could face closure if it cannot win more work, the Government said yesterday. Armed forces minister Adam Ingram announced that moving work on the Tornado GR4 aircraft from the
RETAIL sales showed an unexpected rise last month after higher sales of clothing and food, the latest figures have shown. Despite widespread reports of wet weather washing out sales, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said volumes rose by 0.6 per
AN Internet and digital TV company is bringing 75 jobs to Teesside with the opening of a sales centre. Infoserve will open a sales operation in Stockton. The company, which is based in Leeds, has established a strong presence in the Internet market in
DETECTIVES in County Durham have warned the elderly to be on their guard following a series of incidents involving bogus callers. The first, reported to police on Monday, were breakfast time calls in the Chester-le-Street and Fencehouses areas, followed
A "LOCAL" councillor in one of Britain's most deprived wards provoked an outcry last night after it emerged he is serving his North-East constituents while living in a Caribbean paradise. People in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, who need help have to
A LOCAL farm is diversifying by supplying organic carrots to schoolchildren. Grower Stephen Metcalfe of Low House Farm, Aldborough, near Boroughbridge, has won the contract to supply 1,800 schools with carrots as part of the Government's £77m National
Retail group Kingfisher yesterday swept aside fears of a slowdown in the DIY market by reporting a six per cent rise in sales at its B&Q chain. Kingfisher said poor summer weather dampened sales of seasonal ranges such as garden furniture, but demand
There's a long way to go before politics can be described as the new football, but I have been pleasantly surprised at the level of interest being shown in the proposed directly-elected regional assembly for the North-East. Local newspapers have been
LEAVING Alan Shearer on the bench is supposed to be the final thing you do as a Newcastle manager. But by dropping the club's talisman for his first game in charge, Graeme Souness has left no-one in any doubt as to where the power lies in his new regime
THEATRE bosses are still in the dark over whether veteran actor Brian Blessed will appear in a North-East production next week. The 67-year-old film and TV favourite was due to star in The Haunted Hotel, at Darlington Civic Theatre, from Monday. But he
A £5M housing scheme for the elderly in Wensleydale has won the approval of national park members. The extra care complex planned for Bainbridge was narrowly given the go-ahead when the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's planning committee met
LONG-distance councillor Stephen Gregory is unrepentant about his move to the Dominican Republic. But back in the town centre ward he plans to continue representing, the voters he has left behind are less forgiving than he would hope. In January, the
A STUDENT from Richmond is one step closer to her dream of performing in the West End after winning a place at one of the country's top theatre schools. Katia Sartini, 16, has just finished her GCSEs at St Francis Xavier in Richmond but has more to celebrate
CHALLENGES and issues affecting the red meat chain and the shape of the industry in five to ten years' time are the subject of a special conference in Harrogate next month. The Northern Red Meat Conference 2004 takes place at The Pavilions, on the Great
MIDDLESBROUGH'S new striking heroes combined to make an historic occasion at the Riverside a memorable one for the jubilant Teesside faithful last night. And now, after summer signings Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Mark Viduka grabbed three goals between
LARGER financial incentives are being offered in a renewed effort to recruit foster carers. Basic allowances for foster carers are being increased in North Yorkshire. Someone who took in two children aged five to ten would receive about £20,000 a year
Abrass plaque honouring an Upper Teesdale man who died a hero many years ago intrigued a female visitor who saw it during a service at Forest Parish Church, so she contacted this column to ask for more details. The church was locked when I drove up there
IT'S Powergen Cup day tomorrow in rugby's senior, intermediate and junior levels, but the region's four National Three North sides are all drawn away from home. The toughest trip is for Darlington, who return to Rugby Lions, where they lost their opening
EIFION Williams should be fit to face his old club tomorrow. The Hartlepool United striker sat out the defeat at Oldham after suffering a hip injury, which forced him off at half-time in the draw with Barnsley on September 4. But Williams, with two goals
A MAN who admits driving erratically around a town in a stolen car told a court yesterday he was not at the wheel when it struck and killed a teenager on playing fields. Dean English is accused of hitting 15-year-old Ian Gourley as he drove a Ford Escort
DESCENDANTS of Annie Mary Scarre are proud to have a photograph showing her in her cap and gown when she gained a university degree 99 years ago. But they are now trying to find out if she made history as the first woman from the Barnard Castle area to
GRAEME Souness may have been satisfied with a 2-0 victory in his first game in charge as Newcastle United boss, but the Scot could not hide his disappointment in the manner of Nicky Butt's dismissal in last night's bruising UEFA Cup clash at St James'
MILLIONS of Britons are deficient in a vitamin that protects against diseases including rickets, diabetes and cancer, it was said yesterday. Experts called for urgent action to raise vitamin D levels, particularly among breast-feeding women, young children
DURHAM City has secured the best large town title for the eighth consecutive year in the annual Northumbria in Bloom competition. The results were announced at Hardwick Hall Hotel in Sedgefield, on Monday. The judges commented on the overall level of
My Crazy Parents (C4) I'll Show Them Who's Boss (BBC2) WE'RE so used to watching other people's misery, physical shortcomings and emotional distress on TV documentaries that it takes a lot to disturb us now. But My Crazy Parents was an unrelentingly bleak
SPECULATION was rife last night about a potential takeover of Corus' Teesside division as the Anglo-Dutch group reported its first profits. The company, which employs nearly 3,000 people in the area, brought a halt to five years of losses with interim
ONE of the region's military regiments has remembered its part in the Crimean War. The Green Howards marked the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Alma at the regiment's headquarters in Richmond, North Yorkshire, yesterday. Roger Chapman, curator
DOOM 3. Format: PC. Publisher: Activision. Developer: Id Software. Price: £40. Family friendly? You must be kidding. IS your PC ready for Doom 3? It's often said that games-making on the PC is a constant battle between the programmers and the manufacturers
ONE of the North-East's largest Peugeot dealerships is helping the golf stars of the future throughout the region to reach national competitions. Romanby Golf Club Juniors, based in Northallerton, have been sponsored by Simon Bailes Peugeot for the last
A TASTE of the exotic will arrive in Darlington this autumn when the first African restaurant opens in the town. Zimbabwe-born Dean Blumears and his mother are due to open their new restaurant, Landela, which will serve food from Mozambique. Mr Blumears
FRESH foods group Geest blamed the unprecedented impact of turbulence in the supermarket sector for a 16 per cent fall in half-year profits. The group, which employs about 400 people in Selby, North Yorkshire, saw margins come under pressure after chains
IRRESPONSIBLE dog owners visiting a North-East park risk having their pets' faeces marked with fluorescent paint. The procedure, in which countryside wardens will spray fluorescent paint on faeces at the park, is an attempt to shame owners who fail to
LEADERS of the North-East's business community remain unconvinced of the need for the proposed directly-elected regional assembly, according to a survey of directors yesterday. A poll by the North-East Region of the Institute of Directors (IoD) found
FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - On Wednesday afternoon, Mr George Harker, auctioneer, offered for sale in Northallerton market place two presentation time pieces, which belonged to the Rev James Young, Baptist minister, seized as payment for the
