A CAR being renovated in a North-East workshop is causing excitement amongst motoring enthusiasts - because it is the only one of its kind in the world. The Cisitalia 202 Grand Sport, one of only three made in Italy in 1948, has been stripped down and
IF Kevin Keegan was in any doubt about the scale of the task he has inherited at Newcastle United, he won't be after watching this. One thing has been forgotten amid all of the hype and hysteria that has accompanied Keegan's return to St James' Park
SOLICITOR General Vera Baird is to address a crime and punishment campaign conference in the town she represents in Parliament. The barrister Labour MP for Redcar has accepted an invitation to speak at a summit organised by one of her constituents -
Darlington are up to third in League Two after a first half Richie Foran penalty gave them all three points at Field Mill. Hereford United are not in action until Monday so Quakers leapfrogged their promotion rivals, while leaders MK Dons lost at bottom
SUNDERLAND'S search for an away win in the Premier League continues. Not since a Steve Watson own goal against West Brom at the Hawthorns nearly two years ago have the Black Cats registered a top flight victory away from the Stadium of Light. And to
IT is now just one defeat in seven matches for Middlesbrough on their travels, although they must wonder how they failed to win this competitive encounter. After a first half in which Blackburn Rovers must have felt hard done by to be behind to David
VULNERABLE children and their families face a "minimal'' risk following the theft of computers containing sensitive data about them, a council chief has said. Nine laptop computers containing details of up to 63 young people and their families and a
SUNDERLAND'S search for an away win in the Premier League continues. Not since a Steve Watson own goal against West Brom at the Hawthorns nearly two years ago have the Black Cats registered a top flight victory away from the Stadium of Light. And to
A SCHOOL which has pledged to teach sciences as three separate subjects has backed up its promise with a £1.5m science and technology block. Barnard Castle School will teach biology, chemistry and physics rather than a combined science option - with
A MAN found lying unconscious in a street in a North-East town is recovering in hospital with a fractured skull today. Police received a call reporting concern for the condition of the man, who was found lying motionless in Elliot Terrace, Concord, Washington
PART of a town centre was sealed off today and cleared of people and traffic, following a major gas leak. Shops near the centre of Middlesbrough were evacuated and all surrounding streets closed off for one hour, around 8.56am. A gas emergency team
A TEENAGE girl was in a critical condition in hospital today after apparently jumping from a bridge on the A1. Police received a call reporting that a girl had leapt from the bridge on the A1 Western Bypass, near its junction with Stamfordham Road, at
VIRGIN boss Sir Richard Branson said he believed he had a "winnable package" to see his bid for the ailing Northern Rock bank succeed. Sir Richard, speaking in Shanghai where he is accompanying Prime Minister Gordon Brown as part of Britain's delegation
POLICE today appealed for witnesses to a road accident which left a car passenger seriously injured in hospital. A Fiat Punto containing three local men left the unclassified country road between the villages of Ludworth and Thornley, east of Durham,
A GOLF course could become Wear Valley's answer to Slaley Hall after councillors agreed to lift a restriction on holiday homes. Former Newcastle United footballer Allan Barker's company, Castle Golf, has permission to build 24 terraced homes to
IF someone you were trying to do a deal with stared at you and declared: "All my eye and Betty Martin", would you be pleased? Not if you lived in Teesdale in days gone by and knew the local lingo. The phrase meant there was some deceit or pretence
VILLAGERS worried about work being carried out on a wartime chemical camp near their homes are being invited to talk to experts about their concerns. Senior staff involved in the project will be ready to answer questions every Thursday evening
SUPPORTERS of a £3.5m sports centre for Malton are to fight on after the plan was rejected by councillors. Although there is a swimming pool in the town, champions of the project say the nearest dry sports centre is ten miles away. But critics
A DISTRICT council has admitted its new recycling system has had problems after residents' complaints that it was not working. But Hambleton District Council says one of the reasons the system has not been running smoothly is that residents are
TIRED of anti-social behaviour in their town, residents of Bedale took to the streets yesterday to get to the root of the problem. Boy racers, under-age drinking, groups congregating, criminal damage, nuisance behaviour and littering have all
A WELL-KNOWN farmer, cricketer and horseman has died after a long illness. Bernard Lowther, 42, of Stank Hall, Kirby Sigston, near Northallerton, died in the Friarage Hospital on Tuesday. He was born at Stank Hall and farmed there with his parents
A STUDENT is "living with dragons" in his goal to create a copyright-free map available to all. Gregory Marler is trying to navigate Durham City, purely by sight, drawing a map as he goes. The finished work will highlight buildings, paths, roads
PLANS for traffic-calming measures through a community have been given the green light - despite opposition from some residents. Durham County Council's highways committee meeting yesterday approved the measures for Bellerby Drive, Ouston, near
A NEW team running a village pub is taking city bistro menus into the Durham dales. Two chefs from the successful 21 Group of restaurants have joined former waiter Martyn Hunter at the Mill Race, in Wolsingham. Working round the clock, they
YOUNG football teams from Derwentside are making their voices heard about the future of sports facilities in the district. Players handed over hundreds of letters to the district council's leader, Councillor Alex Watson, expressing disappointment
A 15-YEAR-OLD has been called up to represent England in an international volleyball championship. John Chapman, from Sadberge, near Darlington, is the only North-East player in the under-17s squad picked for the tournament. The 6ft 1in Hurworth
A COUNCIL has put on record its commitment to people living at the centre of a controversial regeneration scheme. Middlebrough Council yesterday signed a charter of conditions, setting out what can be expected by people living in houses to be
THREE girls have proved they are top of the form when it comes to sport. Rachel Goodier, 15, from Stokesley, Jayme Norton, 16, from Stockton, and Irmina Reithmair, 18, who lives in Ingleby Barwick, all attend Teesside High School, in Eaglescliffe
A CHARITY has donated thousands of pounds' worth of computer equipment to improve children's learning experience - and help unemployed parents find work. All 140 parents of year seven pupils at Redcar Community College have been given a laptop
COUNCIL BUDGET THE Darlington Borough Council draft budget currently out to "consultation" indicates again its dismissive and ignorant attitude towards many areas of the borough. Contrary to its assertions, we are not "one Darlington" nor do
RESIDENTS in Darlington have voiced their anger over having to pay for parking permits while their neighbours across town get them free. More than 200 householders in the College ward have signed a petition demanding that residents' parking permits
A CLUB for blind people in Darlington, which was established more than 50 years ago, has reopened after a revamp to its headquarters. Volunteers at the Darlington Social Club for the Blind were able to give the building in Corporation Road a facelift
COUNCIL bosses are still waiting to hear if the Government will help pay for the multi-million pound overspend on the town's new road project. Darlington Borough Council announced in November that the Eastern Transport Corridor scheme was £1.9m
NEWCASTLE Falcons winger Tim Visser has refuted suggestions that tomorrow's game with Spanish minnows Cetransa El Salvador belittles the importance of the European Challenge Cup. Having romped to a 71-10 win in Spain in November, there is every
INDIA put themselves in a strong position to deny Australia a new Test wins record thanks to some valiant batting from VVS Laxman and a fine all-round showing from Irfan Pathan in the third Test at the WACA. Laxman's 79 helped the tourists scrape
DARLINGTON Mowden Park team manager Jim Dyson has warned his side to expect a "shock to the system" when they entertain National League Three North leaders Tynedale this afternoon. Mowden have racked up a combined total of 100 points in their
TEN-TIMES North-East cross country champion Brian Rushworth chases two new titles in the space of 24 hours this weekend. The 45-year-old Sunderland Harrier, who has established himself as one of the region's most successful cross country exponents
ASCOT'S £140,000 Victor Chandler Chase is where today's big bucks are hiding, a point not lost on Paul Nicholls, who has entered both Twist Magic (2.20) and Hoo La Baloo, writes COLIN WOODS. Nicholls, graced with the best bunch of jumpers ever seen
ANDREW THORNTON might not win any prizes for neatness, as tall guys are always going to struggle in the style stakes when it comes to race-riding. But long legs didn't stop the Sedgefield-born jockey winning a Cheltenham Gold Cup, nor will they
DARLINGTON yesterday resigned former left-back Ryan Valentine from Wrexham. So that his registration could be completed in time for him to be named in today's squad at Mansfield, he has initially joined on loan, but his move back to the North-East
JUANDE Ramos is looking for characters like Roy Keane to spearhead his Spanish revolution at Tottenham - but he admits players in the mould of the Sunderland boss are almost extinct. As Manchester United skipper, Keane never came up against a
MARTON Fulop expects to experience a lively atmosphere when Sunderland visit White Hart Lane this afternoon. But having spent two-and-a-half seasons with Tottenham, the Hungarian goalkeeper anticipates the majority of the noise being made by
CHANCELLOR Alistair Darling is to make a statement to MPs on the future of Northern Rock on Monday, Prime Minister Gordon Brown confirmed. Mr Brown said talks had already begun with private firms wanting to take over the troubled bank, but insisted all
GARETH Southgate has dismissed suggestions that his transfer dealings between now and the end of January will determine Middlesbrough's Premier League fate this season. Southgate has endured a frustrating six days since he showed Afonso Alves
BLACKBURN manager Mark Hughes has hit back at the side's doubters after Rovers got back on track to prove themselves credible European contenders this season. Rovers are looking to extend their four-match unbeaten run at home to Middlesbrough
FORMER Newcastle striker Ian Rush has tipped Alan Shearer to be a success alongside Kevin Keegan if he was to be appointed his number two at St James' Park. Keegan dramatically returned to the club he managed between 1992 and 1997 on Wednesday
IT IS probably just as well given his club's 53-year wait for a major domestic trophy, but Newcastle United chairman Chris Mort knows there is no such thing as an impossible dream. If there was, Kevin Keegan would not be in the St James' Park dug-out
KEVIN Keegan is known as the messiah, so perhaps it was only fitting that the Newcastle manager yesterday cast himself as Joey Barton's saviour. With Newcastle officials looking into the possibility of Barton returning to action despite his strict
ROY KEANE last night welcomed the return of Kevin Keegan to Newcastle United by declaring: "It's great to see him back." But despite the massive impact the return of Keegan has made to the region, the Sunderland manager is not even considering
After enduring a less than comfortable train journey, Steve Pratt enjoys a more rewarding railway experience in Reading VIPs like Winston Churchill who stayed at Reading's Great Western Rail Hotel during its heyday almost certainly had a better time
Edward Fox talks about his growing family of actors and why he prefers comedy to serious acting WHEN asked about his reputation as one of Britain's great acting eccentrics and being called the artful fox, actor Edward Fox replies goodnaturedly
CRIME-SOLVING series have survived the departure of their star detectives in the past. ITVs Taggart has continued for years after the death of Mark McManus, whose character lent his name to the title, and Silent Witness has been several changes
It was 130 years ago that the Salvation Army came to Consett. Now as ever, it enjoys a strong foothold in the town LIKE Arsene Wenger and one or two others of more recent times, General William Booth clearly believed that if you were good enough,
I SEE that Tuesday's leave your car at home day in Durham City must not have counted for County Hall staff. The car park was as full as ever. From what I have seen of the cars leaving and going into the car park, they mostly contain the driver
WAS interested to read in Peter Barron's From The Editor's Chair column (Echo, Jan 14) of Brendan Foster's campaign, Take To The Streets, and wish him every success. It is an ambitious project which aims to get two million people involved in regular
RE Joyce Crawford's contribution to your Poems column (Echo, Jan 15) under the above heading. How every word rang true regarding rubbish that is discarded under cover of darkness and also how man's best friend is running loose. Definitely, poop
MAY 15, 2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of modern day Israel. Britain played a significant role on the world stage at that time as we were mandated to create a homeland for Jews under international agreement. Sadly, the godly men
FOLLOWING more sleaze from this tired Labour administration - this time with Work and Pensions Secretary Peter Hain - it is refreshing to see the Tories' attempts to restore public faith in politicians. Perhaps Ken Clarke's recommendations on
I COULD not help but be moved by Helen Newlove's words following the murder conviction of the three yobs who kicked her husband to death outside his house in Warrington (Echo, Jan 17). Mrs Newlove's attack on parents who fail to control their children
RE Harry Mead's column headed "Carbon footprint fallacy" (Echo, Jan 16). I agree with his inference that such demeaning activities as energy conservation and social responsibility do not seem to apply to the wealthy and they continue to live lavish
THE Government finally seems to recognise it should reduce our dependence on external energy suppliers. It appears to be making way to allow private enterprise to build nuclear power stations and with government financial guarantees. However,
INFLUENCE is like influenza," said Norman Cornish, the 88-year-old Spennymoor artist who was made an MBE in the New Year's Honours List. "You catch it even if you don't want it. "Influence and influenza - they come from the same word, I think."
Actor Johnny Depp and director Tim Burton have made some quirky films together, but their latest is unusual, even by their standards. They talk to Steve Pratt about singing the praises of the demon barber of Fleet Street "IT was odd," admits Helena
AS his barrister said in court yesterday, the case of teacher David Rucker is a curious one. Last October, Mr Rucker was convicted of assaulting a 15-year-old during an "altercation" at Richmond swimming pool in North Yorkshire. The court was told
MIDDLESBROUGH Football Club has signed its biggest-ever sponsorship deal. The one-year extension to the club's deal with sat-nav firm Garmin is believed to be worth more than £1m. The contract means Garmin's name will remain on Boro shirts during
NORTH entrepreneur Karl Watkin voiced concerns over the state of the UK's junior stock market yesterday, as he unveiled a £75m business venture in China. Just hours after Gordon Brown spoke in Beijing of strengthening trade links with China, Mr
INTREPID grandmother Norma Brown has gone through a lifechanging experience after volunteering to teach disadvantaged children in India. The retired deputy headteacher, who lives in Kirkby-in- Cleveland, North Yorkshire, was able to pass on her
RESIDENTS in parts of the region will be able to recycle plastics and cardboard under an agreement signed yesterday. People living in the districts of Chester-le- Street, Durham, Easington and Sedgefield will be given large green reusable bags
A COUNCIL officer who led a county's efforts to tackle youth crime has been dismissed after being found guilty of gross misconduct. Christina Blythe, head of County Durham's Youth Engagement Service, was suspended on full pay in December 2006
A NEW service has been launched for people who want to go on holiday - with their horse. When Dianne Mousley moved to East Cowton from Romanby, both near Northallerton, North Yorkshire, she opened a bed and breakfast - Acorn Corner. The property
MASS workplace screening to identify people at risk of heart attacks is to be launched in the region. The radical move by County Durham Primary Care Trust (PCT) - expected to begin in April last year - is part of a wide-ranging package of measures
THE UK's largest energy supplier last night dealt a fresh blow to millions of householders by announcing an average 15 per cent rise in the price of gas and electricity. Centrica, which owns British Gas, said it was unable to carry the "burden"
A FAMILIAR face will be missing from future services and other events at one of the North-East's best-loved landmarks. George Curry, who turns 65 on Tuesday, is hanging up his robes after more than 23 years as a verger at Durham Cathedral, The
A NATIONWIDE police search will be made in a bid to bring a doorstep conman to justice. Lawrence William Crossling was yesterday jailed for seven years in his absence at Durham Crown Court. He was convicted of two counts of burglary, one of which
BOB TRIDGETT'S horticultural skills, honed in the grounds of his rural North-East home, have led to him winning a coted annual trophy. It was last spring that Mr Tridgett, who lives with his wife, Bev, and their four children on a smallholding
MURDER trial jurors yesterday heard closing speeches in the case of a disabled man who was beaten to death. Toby Hedworth QC, prosecuting, and defence barrister Bryan Cox QC made their final submissions to jurors before they retire to consider
JENNY NICHOLL told friends she wanted to stay in Richmond and marry a rich man, a jury was told. Jacqueline Whelan, one of Jenny's closest friends, made the claim on day four of the trial of David Hodgson for the teenager's murder. Miss Whelan
MISSING shopworker Jenny Nicholl told a classmate she was having an affair with the man accused of her murder when she was still at school, a court heard. The teenager confided in schoolfriend Carly Wilson that she was having a relationship with
TRIBUTES have been paid to a self-made North-East businessman who was a racehorse owner, keen golfer and lover of North- East football. Bernard Hathaway set up Hathaway Roofing, in Bishop Auckland, in 1967, which became the largest independent
THE leader of a regional council is facing another no confidence vote less than two years after being elected to the post. Former pitman Albert Nugent, head of Durham County Council Labour group since April 2006, faces the judgement of colleagues
Hartlepool 0 Cheltenham Town 2 TEN minutes before half-time last night and a lost season ticket was handed in at Victoria Park. After such an inspid 45 minutes the owner must have had second thoughts about reclaiming it.Hartlepool United were one down
WHEN Jeremie Aliadiere thinks of his former team-mates at Arsenal, he could be forgiven for wondering if he has made a terrible mistake.Joint top of the Premier League, one game away from the Carling Cup final and preparing for a Champions League last
ENGLAND'S latest Durham recruit hopes to prove he can cut the mustard during the next two months Down Under. Wicket-keeper/batsmen Phil 'Colonel' Mustard aims to grab his chance and answer his country's call with both bat and gloves during the forthcoming
AN "outstanding" teacher who was found guilty of assaulting a pupil spoke last night of his relief after his conviction was quashed.David Colin Rucker said he had been through 19 months of hell after a court ruling was overturned yesterday with an apology
RESIDENTS last night described their shock as armed police supported by a helicopter swooped on a quiet village to arrest a robbery suspect.In the pre-planned operation, officers arrested a 31-year-old man from Seaham, in east Durham.The man was wanted
"EXPECT anything". Two little words that encapsulated the whole of Kevin Keegan's first public address since replacing Sam Allardyce. Two little words that mean everything to supporters of Newcastle United.Expect attacking football. Expect the Magpies
A SCHOOLGIRL fought back to prevent a man from abducting her, police have revealed.But the 15-year-old victim has been left so shaken she is afraid to leave her home in Redcar, east Cleveland.Detective Inspector Dave Mead, of Cleveland CID, said: "This
Kevin Keegan was paraded at St James' Park yesterday and Chief Football Writer Paul Fraser heard the Geordie messiah declare Newcastle was the only job for him WHEN Kevin Keegan left Newcastle United in 1984, he famously had to leave the St James'
Home form is often regarded as the bedrock of any successful side. Winning at home and drawing away is regarded as the guide for any successful team, but Darlington are enjoying playing away more than ever.They have won more games on the road than at
AT the age of 77, Gordon Billingham has proved that you are never too old to have teething troubles.The pensioner was shocked to discover that the cause of serious breathing problems was a tooth which had been lodged in his lung, probably for several
SUNDERLAND face one of the most potent strikeforces around this afternoon, but manager Roy Keane insists he would not swap Kenwyne Jones for anyone else in the Premier League.Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, among others, have all checked
A house in Shildon, County Durham, was badly damaged by fire tonight. The fire and rescue service was called to the house in Walton Street at 11.15pm after reports of a kitchen on fire. A spokesperson for the brigade said the blaze had caused severe
