The North East | Archive | 2003 | February

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Stories for 14 February 2003

Bishop Auckland,Barnard Castle,Darlington,Durham,East Durham,East Cleveland,Hawes,Newton Aycliffe,No Sport

Ei Ei's bold jumping can scoop prize

TONY DOBBIN took a nasty tumble last weekend and had to take two days off, but he's now back in full flow and poised to scoop the richest race of the day aboard Ei Ei (3.35) in the Allied Irish Bank Chase at Sandown.  more...

Jenas and Dyer to fight it out for England place

JERMAINE JENAS is facing a straight fight with Kieron Dyer for a place in the England team for the crucial 2004 qualifier against Turkey after forcing his way into Sven-Goran Eriksson's plans with his impressive performance against Australia.  more...

Falcons hand Britz debut against Cats

NEWCASTLE Falcons have named Craig Newby and Soa Otuvaka in their squad for tonight's match against The Cats, although there is every chance they will be on the bench with a view to playing for Darlington Mowden Park tomorrow.  more...

Quakers defensive pairing shrug off their knocks

Darlington boss Mick Tait last night welcomed the news that defensive duo Craig Liddle and Stuart Whitehead will be fit for tomorrow's crucial Third Division clash at Lincoln.  more...

Black Cats buoyed by Bellion backing

SUNDERLAND contract rebel David Bellion is ready to throw his weight behind the Wearsiders' Premiership survival bid.  more...

Consett,Stanley,Chester Le Street News

Police specials seek recruits

VOLUNTEER police officers will go shopping in Chester-le-Street for recruits this weekend.  more...

Housing advisory board set up

A HOUSING advisory board has been set up to oversee a district council's actions in improving services to tenants.  more...

News in brief: Sunday stroll for ramblers

Groundwork West Durham's Acorn Amblers will be going on their second walk of the year on Sunday at Low Westwood, starting at 1.30pm at Beech Grove, Blackhall Mill.  more...

Group gets on the case to protect kestrels

KESTRELS should have a nice des res thanks to the efforts of a new environmental group.  more...

Darlington,Newton Aycliffe,Sedgefield,Barnard Castle News

News in brief: Council grants rates relief

Darlington Borough Council has granted an application for discretionary rates relief from Firthmoor Association for Community Enterprise.  more...

Pupils learn the art of relaxation

PRIMARY school pupils have had their PE lessons transformed into a time for relaxation and calm.  more...

Work to improve road safety begins

MORE work to improve road safety on the major routes into Darlington has got under way.  more...

Slimming in aid of NSPCC

MEMBERS of the Slimming World class in Clifton Community Centre, Darlington, are embarking on a six-week sponsored slimathon to raise money for the NSPCC, and are inviting others to take part.  more...

Caring home wanted for terrier Benji

A YORKSHIRE terrier due to have an operation to improve his eyesight needs a home.  more...

Prize-giving ceremony honours students' achievements

PUPILS at a Darlington school have been honoured for their academic and sporting achievements.  more...

In the magistrates' court

AN 18-year-old man who hit a hairdresser after damaging a gate in front of his shop in Stockton Road, Darlington, was given a two-year community rehabilitation order and told to pay £50 in compensation yesterday.   more...

Darlington,Wear Valley,Sedgefield,Newton Aycliffe,Bishop Auckland,Barnard Castle News

Police to send out 'chip van' on matter of motorcycle etiquette

MOTORCYCLISTS who disturb the peace of the Durham Dales during tranquil summer weekends are to be targeted by a new police project aimed at education, backed up by enforcement action if necessary.  more...

£265,000 lottery cash for upgrade of park

DARLINGTON Council has secured a £265,000 lottery grant which will help transform North Lodge Park.  more...

Sports complex users reveal tales of vandalism

EXTRA security has been demanded for a vandal-plagued £1.8m sports complex in Darlington.  more...

Clean town charter to be enforced, shops told

SHOPS in Darlington are being warned to back the town's Tidy Trader Charter or face fines of up to £2,500 plus public shaming.  more...

Use it or lose it plea goes out over village hall

HURWORTH Village Hall activities must be supported or residents risk losing it altogether.  more...

Durham,East Durham News

News in brief: Sunday stroll for ramblers

Groundwork West Durham's Acorn Amblers will be going on their second walk of the year on Sunday at Low Westwood, starting at 1.30pm at Beech Grove, Blackhall Mill.  more...

Hopes to keep free school travel

PARENTS of children who face a "hazardous" walk to school hope to win their battle to retain free bus travel.  more...

East Cleveland News

News in brief: DJ to host Smart awards

STOCKTON'S Smart Awards for young people will be hosted by TFM Radio DJ Anna B.  more...

Strategy update due

AN update on a rural strategy for east Cleveland will be delivered by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council at Loftus Town Hall, on Tuesday, February 25, at 6.30pm.  more...

East Cleveland,Teesside News

Songs span the years

SALTBURN teenager Faye Nesbitt hopes to become a professional singer, and her latest song has been written by an 82-year-old neighbour, Mary Allen.  more...

I'll quit, says garage owner in planning row

A SWAINBY garage owner claims he may have to sell up and move elsewhere because of a wrangle with planners.  more...

Sale of Manor House will fund new library

STOKESLEY Manor House and Springfield House must be sold, as a contribution toward the proposed £7m library and elderly peoples' homes complex at North Road.  more...

Subsidy saves rural bus service

KIRKLEVINGTON is to get some weekday and Saturday buses, after it faced a total loss of services, following Arriva's decision to withdraw from many runs between Yarm and Stokesley.  more...

Chandeliers may cheer the dowdy town hall

CHANDELIERS could light Yarm Town Hall, rather than "monstrous" strip lights.  more...

Newton Aycliffe,Bishop Auckland,Barnard Castle,Darlington,Durham,East Durham,East Cleveland,Hawes,No Sport

Only one mark in it as Ward takes the honours

THE Tweed Valley Motor Club ran their annual Tom Swinney trophy trial at Doddington Quarry, near Wooler, in Northumberland last Sunday.  more...

Helmsley boys mix it with best in the North

A TEAM from Helmsley Community Primary School reached the finals of the North of England junior table tennis championships.  more...

Petch and Richardson gunning for hat-trick of Kall Kwik triumphs

THE region's first major rally of the year roars into action this weekend when a top-quality field lines up in Pickering to contest the Kall Kwik Rally on Sunday.  more...

Richmond club girls on the way up

THREE girls from North Yorkshire have achieved excellence in the male-dominated sport of motorcycle trials.  more...

Quakers in need of inspiration

A LACK of invention and creativity again contributed to Darlington's downfall when they slumped to a frustrating 1-0 defeat at home to Rochdale on Tuesday night.  more...

Northallerton,Hawes,Richmond News

'Gran' to three generations

AUDREY Coyle had a double cause for celebration this week. For as she reached her 80th birthday, she also clocked up 25 years as a baby clinic volunteer.  more...

Villagers face large bill to pay allotment legal costs

VILLAGERS at Barton, near Richmond, face an extra £50 on their household council tax bills to cover the parish council's legal bill following a long-running row over allotments.  more...

Campaigners win planning battle over closed chapel

Campaigning villagers have won their battle to stop a former chapel of ease being turned into a home.  more...

Park chief hits out at dale councillor's -political hijacking'

THE chief executive of the Yorkshire Dales National Park has accused campaigners fighting a controversial planning decision of hijacking the situation for political gain.  more...

Town's only public toilets closed for days without warning

LOCAL people and visitors to Bedale who found themselves caught short had nowhere to spend a penny during the earlier part of this week because of crossed wires at a local authority.  more...

Northallerton,Richmond,Hawes News

Police hunt for bogus barman

PUB landlords are being put on the alert for a bogus barman who talks his way into a job and then disappears with the takings.  more...

Nursery money found

THREE-YEAR-OLDS in North Yorkshire will be able to take up nursery places after the county council agreed to make up a funding shortfall.  more...

News in brief: Top attraction scoops award

ONE of the region's top attractions has added another award to its own honour's list.   more...

Retirement postponed Internet success

A FONDNESS for furry animals has become big business for a North-East couple, who had been planning a quiet retirement in the Yorkshire Dales.  more...

Life saving course at risk

A COURSE which teaches life-saving skills could be at risk if more people do not sign up for instruction.  more...

Height of property must be reduced

VILLAGERS have won their fight to reduce the height of a property they say has an overbearing affect on the landscape.  more...

Tourist attraction on line

A POPULAR tourist attraction in a market town has gone online to reach customers around the world.  more...

Councillors call for precept explanation

CONCERNED councillors have called a meeting with police chiefs about the force's 76 per cent increase in council tax precept.  more...

£60,000 funding for grant scheme

VILLAGERS are being urged to bid for cash to help community projects reach fruition.  more...

Grants available to firms

GRANTS of up to £1,500 and interest-free loans up to £3,000 are available to businesses moving in to the 2.21-acre Upper Wensleydale Business Park, in Hawes.  more...

Woman priest to become area dean

ONE of the first women to be ordained as a priest in the Ripon and Leeds diocese is to be commissioned as an area dean next week.  more...

Teesside News

News in brief: DJ to host Smart awards

STOCKTON'S Smart Awards for young people will be hosted by TFM Radio DJ Anna B.  more...

Crackdown is hailed a success

A SCHEME to crack down on illegal vehicles in Stockton has resulted in more than 320 being seized from roads and waste land.  more...

Environmental improvement work for estate

ENVIRONMENTAL improvements to a Stockton housing estate are due to begin soon.  more...

Funding rise same price as a bag of peanuts, says chief

PEOPLE on Teesside will have to pay an extra £24 a year in council tax to cover the cost of fighting crime and antisocial behaviour.  more...

Readers offered a golden opportunity

FIVE youngsters are being offered the chance to experience a day in the life of a busy library.  more...

Show how much you care for your town

YOUNG people in Hartlepool are being urged to show how much they care about their environment.  more...

Children's play area begins to take shape

PLANS for a children's play area in Hartlepool have taken a major step forward with the beginning of building work.  more...

Internet access programme kicks-off

A PROJECT to give people across Hartlepool free access to the Internet was launched yesterday.  more...

The North East Advertiser

Bishop takes PM to task over Iraq

THE next Bishop of Durham was appointed this week and immediately took Tony Blair to task for his stand over war with Iraq.  more...

Young talent needed for big production

ACTORS, dancers and singers aged eight to 25 are needed for an ambitious musical.  more...

Tributes to Labour man

TRADE unionists and Labour politicians are due to pay tribute to a County Durham-born union leader this Friday.  more...

Soldier's slippery slope to ski success

A REDCAR soldier pushed her skiing skills to the limit on the craggy peaks of the French Alps as she fought for fastest time on Exercise Spartan Hike.  more...

Off licences selling to youths will be shut

OFF licences caught selling booze to under-age youngsters will face closure as part of a tough police and council crackdown on drink-fuelled crime in Derwentside.  more...

Businesses hit by data scam

COUNTY Durham businesses are being warned not to fall foul of a new data protection rip-off.   more...

EU rules on pig toys

FARMERS have been told their pigs will no longer be happy in muck - they now need toys to keep them content.  more...

Lyndsay on cue to pot success

YOUNG mother Lyndsay McKellar is on cue for her international pool debut.   more...

Bowling night appeal

A CHARITY event has been organised on Teesside in memory of a girl who died in 1999 after battling against a brain tumour.  more...

Call for road signs to protect deer

LAST year's foot-and-mouth crisis may have led to a staggering boom in the deer population.  more...

Postal vote deadline announced

THE deadline to check whether residents will be eligible to vote by post in Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's postal ballot is next month.  more...

Jail for three in drugs ring

THREE people involved in the 'widespread' supply and use of ecstasy at a Consett night club were given custodial sentences this week.  more...

Students show off engineering skills

STUDENTS have showed off their design and construction skills.  more...

Miniature railway back on track

ONE of the region's best known miniature railways is to re-open after being rebuilt for £150,000.   more...

Tax rise will pay for police

PEOPLE on Teesside will have to pay an extra £24 a year council tax to cover the cost of fighting crime and anti-social behaviour.  more...

Women's driving ambition

A CHARITY is giving women the opportunity to try out driving trucks and fire engines.  more...

A night of music for charity

FUNDRAISERS are hoping to make thousands of pounds when Guisborough Round Table Stage Society presents What a Wonderful World next week.  more...

Police pay £6,000 over woman's groping claim

A POLICE force has paid £6,000 to a mother-of-two who said she was groped by a policeman.  more...

Computers for rural communities

MORE than 300 people in small rural communities have been given access to computers.  more...

Wartime memories

MEMORIES of the Derwentside men who fought in the First World War will go on display as youngsters perform a play about the bloody conflict.  more...

The North East Business

'We will fight for factory's future'

BOSSES are battling to secure a future for a Japanese electronics firm which makes and assembles Sky television control panels.  more...

Enterprise centre proposed for hall

A GRADE II-listed stately home built more than three centuries ago could be transformed into a regional business and enterprise centre.  more...

Research help requested

BUSINESSES and organisations across North Yorkshire have been asked to help with research into social enterprise in the county.  more...

Core restructuring pays off for Unilever

PERSIL group Unilever reported a ten per cent rise in profits over the past year as sales of its core brands grew.  more...

Government wants views on crime

BUSINESSES have a fortnight left to raise concerns about crime with the Government.  more...

Bank fined £750,000 for admin weaknesses

THE Bank of Scotland (BoS) has been fined £750,000 by the City's watchdog for putting 30,000 Pep and Isa customers "at risk of losing money".  more...

Prime retail site bought by fashion chain

SPECULATION over who would take one of the prime sites in a North-East shopping centre was ended yesterday.  more...

Brothers celebrate 15 years' hard work

VIDEO game designers Darren and Jason Falcus are celebrating 15 years in business together.  more...

The North East Farming

Prices at the markets

BARNARD CASTLE. - Wed. Fwd: 1,264 sheep. Hoggs lt to 122.8p av 98.8p; std to 127p av 111.9p; med to 127.2p av 114.8p; heavy to 117.8p av 106.8p. Ewes: Cont to £53; Mule to £42.50; Leics to £54; Swale to £30.  more...

Special livestock sales

HEXHAM. - Wed of last week. Following instructions from the executors of A Robson, Broomhouse Farm, Cambo, Hexham & Northern Marts conducted the dispersal sale of the Broomhouse herd of suckler cows.  more...

Grain report

Thursday's prices  more...

Leave the fields and go shopping, conference delegates told

FARMERS have been encouraged to leave their fields and spend some time shopping.  more...

Mid-term reform poses many questions

THE detailed implications of the proposed mid-term CAP reforms are still being worked out and Prof Allan Buckwell, chief economist for the Country Land and Business Association, told the conference many questions had to be answered.  more...

Mart goes in for diversification, too

THIS YEAR will be one of the most important in Skipton auction mart's 113-year history.  more...

Defra seeks more to join ESA scheme in Pennine Dales

FARMERS across the Pennine Dales are being encouraged to sign up to the Environmentally Sensitive Area scheme, which offers incentives to adopt agricultural practices to safeguard and enhance areas of particularly high landscape, wildlife or historic value.  more...

Watch politics and markets

UK BEEF producers have been warned to keep a close eye on a potentially important political and market developments.  more...

The North East Features

Shop Talk: Love and the importance of having a corkscrew

ROSES wilt, chocolates melt, balloons burst, lingerie frays, and champagne goes flat so on this, the most romantic of days, what's a real romantic to do to prove that love can last?   more...

14/02/03

WAR ON IRAQ: ON the BBC Newsnight Special, Tony Blair agreed that there was no Iraqi link to the September 11 attacks, but suggested that Iraq, when threatened, might be driven to collaborating with terrorist groups.  more...

Burton's Bytes: Forget robo wars - Mech Assault reigns supreme

Mech Assault. Format: Xbox. Publisher: Microsoft. Price: £44.99  more...

Last Night's TV: Horizon: Sexual Chemistry (BBC2)

It's mind over matter for women and sex  more...

Getting to grips with the E-factor

THERE are many theories why Sunderland Football Club is in such a predicament - personally I believe it is down to E-factors.  more...

War on the fungus from the jungle

Ten million Brazilians face an uncertain future because of a killer fungus. Health Correspondent Barry Nelson talks to two North-East scientists who are determined to help them.  more...

Labour warlord comes out fighting

While Saddam Hussein may be in breach of countless UN resolution, the majority of British people remain to be convinced that we should go to war.   more...

Comment: A proper time for trust

NO nation is immune from the threat of international terrorism. The horrific attacks of September 11 and subsequent outrages in Bali and Kenya have demonstrated that there are no geographical boundaries beyond the reach of al Qaida.  more...

The North East Leisure

Taking the strain off the plane

If, like me, you are one of life's worriers, you won't look forward to the thought of sweating against the clock while you're en route to a distant airport.  more...

Forget robo wars - Mech Assault reigns supreme

Mech Assault. Format: Xbox. Publisher: Microsoft. Price: £44.99  more...

The North East News

N-E area bottom of health league

PEOPLE living in deprived parts of the North-East suffer from the worst health in the country, according to Census figures.  more...

On the march against Iraq war

THOUSANDS of anti-war campaigners will leave the region tomorrow to protest against war with Iraq.  more...

Don't get involved with politics, RSPCA told

A LOCAL gamekeeper has expressed his disappointment with the RSPCA, suggesting that as a registered charity it should not involve itself in politics.  more...

Patients still in dark over risks of contracting CJD

HOSPITAL bosses have been unable to give patients more accurate information about their risk of contracting CJD despite a five-month wait for answers, it emerged last night.  more...

Sweet-lovers worldwide have treats sent from Teesdale

THROUGH expanding its business via the world wide web, a Teesdale corner shop is now selling sweets to a dolly mixture fan in the Middle East.  more...

Larger Dales business park has plots for sale

BUSINESSES have the chance to buy plots of land in the newly-extended Upper Wensleydale business park at Hawes.  more...

Getting to grips with the E-factor

THERE are many theories why Sunderland Football Club is in such a predicament - personally I believe it is down to E-factors.  more...

Messy, costly, secretive - but Lancet may spell key reforms

IF a week is a long time in politics, then a year must feel like an eternity. Twelve months ago, Ray Mallon, after vehemently maintaining his innocence until his face was as blue as a beat bobby's uniform, abruptly admitted 14 disciplinary charges.  more...

Centre subsidy figure disputed

A COUNCIL has denied that subsidising its flagship theatre will cost £1.5m of public money.  more...

Company says its service is improving

ENERGY company npower last night said customer complaints have since been reduced after allegations were made about some of its sales team.  more...

Football pair sign for recycling squad

A RECYCLING scheme was given a kick-start yesterday when Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren and Premiership referee Jeff Winter gave it their full backing.  more...

Campaign to block chapel bid succeeds

ALMOST 50 campaigners filled council chambers and applauded as plans to convert a chapel into a house were rejected.  more...

Major delays for morning motorists

MOTORISTS faced severe delays on the region's two main roads yesterday morning.  more...

Police probe chocolate plant death

A BODY was found at the foot of a tall building at a chocolate factory just after noon yesterday.  more...

News in brief: Missing boy found safe

A VULNERABLE boy missing from his home since Tuesday evening turned up fit and well after a police radio appeal yesterday.  more...

Police hunt gang of bogus water officials

POLICE are hunting men they believe are part of a gang of bogus callers who struck in two North-East communities in one day.  more...

Decorator faces jail for taking jewellery

A DECORATOR who stole expensive jewellery from clients and hid it in a bag of plaster was facing jail last night.  more...

New bishop has local connections

THE NEW Bishop of Durham has been named as Canon Dr Nicholas Thomas Wright.  more...

Brain op woman's tablets complaint

AN investigation is under way after a woman claimed she was told to take painkillers for a headache when she was in fact suffering a brain haemorrhage.  more...

£250,000 haul of con couple who cheated home workers

A NORTH-EAST couple yesterday admitted masterminding one of the biggest jobs-for-cash scams in Britain.  more...

Paying tribute to Sir Cliff through the ages

THE STORY of singing legend Sir Cliff Richard has been portrayed in a new stage musical in the North-East this week.  more...

How the times, and attitudes, have changed

RAY Mallon's year began with accusations that he presided over an "empire of evil" but ended in a group hug with his former accusers.  more...

Finches taken by RSPCA in raid on house

A GROUP of rare wild birds were released from captivity after a raid on a North-East home.  more...

Expert fails to win old job back

A FINGERPRINT expert who won two victories for unfair dismissal against a North-East police force, yesterday lost her battle to win her old job back.  more...

Returns of the Jedi blocked by census chiefs

The number of Star Wars fans who gave their religion as "Jedi" on their 2001 census returns would have made it the fourth largest "faith" in England and Wales, it was revealed yesterday.  more...

Grenade discovery 'is proof of threat'

Gatwick airport was at the centre of a major security alert last night after a live grenade was found in a passenger's luggage.  more...

Bid to change jail sentences

A PROPOSAL to increase the sentence for death by dangerous driving has been discussed with Home Secreatary David Blunkett.  more...

Postman stole from letters

A POSTMAN stole credit cards and cash from people on his mail round, a court heard yesterday.  more...

Terrorist threat is deterring travellers

THE threat of terrorist attacks is deterring people in the North-East from travelling abroad, according to travel agents in the region.  more...

Hunt supporters target Angel to spread message

HUNT supporters from across the region used one of the North-East's best known landmarks for a pro-hunting publicity stunt yesterday.  more...

Diners can Thai the knot with an orchid

COUPLES enjoying a Valentine Day's dinner at a North-East pub tonight will be able to tie the romantic knot ... Thai-style.  more...

Cream cake was naughty . . . but £77,777 nice

CREAM cakes can be good for you - just ask teenager Kelly Renton.  more...

Hard-hitting warning for drug-users

A STARK cinema advertising campaign warning drug users of the dangers of hepatitis C is launched in the North-East today.  more...

Mallon's non-political mayor works

Ashok Kumar, MP for South Middlesbrough and East Cleveland, explains why he thinks Middlesbrough's first directly-elected mayor could provide a template for local politics in the future.   more...

Hospice to benefit from German trips

TWO coach trips to Germany are being organised to raise funds for Butterwick Hospice, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham.  more...

Speeders escape fine after slip-up

A ROADSIDE slip-up meant hundreds of motorists could have escaped a fine - if they had realised that the speed limit signs were too far apart.  more...

Watchdog enforces care home standards

THE tough inspection body set up to enforce national care standards has begun spot checks in the region.  more...

Jim makes return to African village

A NORTH-East primary school teacher has left for a remote Kenyan village to gain more insight into its culture.  more...

Wards closed after outbreak

SEVERAL wards at North Yorkshire's biggest hospital have been closed after an outbreak of sickness and diarrhoea among patients.  more...

Mallon truce with old enemies

FORMER senior detective Ray Mallon has chosen the anniversary of his dramatic departure from Cleveland Police to reveal it is time to bury the hatchet with his former enemies.  more...

Special needs advice

FAMILIES who have a child with special educational needs are to attend a conference in the region.  more...

Helpers needed for hypnotism record

ORGANISERS of a fundraising drive are appealing for volunteers to take part in a world record attempt.  more...

Inquest into worker's death

AN inquest was opened yesterday into the death of a worker who fell from scaffolding at a steelworks on Monday.  more...

Redundancies at charity for unemployed

A CHARITY that helps unemployed people find work has gone into liquidation, resulting in more than 100 redundancies.  more...

Valentine plea to animal lovers

AN animal sanctuary is launching an appeal today to find loving homes for its many unwanted cats and dogs.   more...

Home rule group at centre of funds probe

THE district auditor is investigating claims that a North-East political group has abused its position.  more...

On the right road after waiting a century

RESIDENTS celebrated yesterday after achieving in a week what a council had refused to do for nearly 100 years - resurfacing their street.  more...

Racing trainer may give up permit

RACEHORSE owner Norman Mason may give up his trainer's permit as attempts are made to resolve a cash crisis in his leisure business empire.  more...

Offers of help to transport Blue Peter to museum

HOPES of bringing a prominent steam locomotive to a museum in Darlington were given a boost yesterday.  more...

Marathon running for cancer charity

RUNNERS in this year's London Marathon are being asked to raise cash for Breast Cancer Care.  more...

Pod for community

THE latest community "pod" about to be installed in Darlington has been welcomed by community leaders.  more...

Driver shortage 'may leave town short of cabs'

PEOPLE in Darlington could soon find they are unable to get a taxi because of a lack of drivers, a meeting was warned this week.  more...

Chance for bands to impress

BANDS in Darlington will get the chance to have their music heard by record label representatives at a free event taking place next week.  more...

Mayor helps parish get online

DARLINGTON Mayor Doris Jones proved that her duties are branching out into the world of technology when she helped to create a website for her local parish council.  more...

County seeks dramatic results for huge tax hike

A MASSIVE inflation-busting rise of almost 80pc will add £156 for police work to the average North Yorkshire council tax bill this year - but the force has been warned that it must produce visible evidence of improvements in delivery of the service.  more...

The North East Opinion

Letters: Rubbish service

Sir, - Whilst walking down Church Street in Topcliffe last Friday after the refuse collectors had called, I was dismayed to see vast amounts of black bags and cardboard boxes strewn all over the pavements.  more...

Pride in dirty work

GETTING a trade was once a laudable aspiration for young men. It was seen as a passport to regular work and, if successful, the opportunity to run one's own business.  more...

Letters: Why so frantic?

Sir, - The question has to be asked: Why is the chairman of the Key Centre trustees so frantic over the democratic decision of Middleham Town Council to have its office on its own premises? To give the electors of Middleham a balanced view, certain facts must now be laid before them.  more...

Letters: Time to move on

Sir, - I read your leading article (D&S, Feb 7) with interest regarding the changing of The Fleece in Richmond to The Tanya's Charms.  more...

Chief plays hard ball with politicians

THE gloves are off once more in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is a source of some amazement that such a tranquil area can provoke so much antagonism among politicians and bureaucrats.  more...

The North East Sport

Sunderland Catholic Club Over-40s League

In the Premier Division the champions Billingham Wanderers are now in second place, they won 4-0 at home to the Lord Seaham.   more...

The Northern Echo Darlington Sunday Invitation League: Aycliffe inflict a rare defeat on Coundon

League champions Coundon Foresters suffered their first defeat of the season this weekend as they were beaten 3-1 by Newton Aycliffe Sports Club.  more...

Tennis: Seconds seed Kiernan loses out in the semis

Daniel Kiernan, Durham and Cleveland's leading male player, from near Consett, reached the semi-finals in last week's circuit tournament in Corby.   more...

Longhorn Hardware Darlington and District League

Archdeacon 0 v 8 Killinghall Arms  more...

Bowman Anderson Accountants Spennymoor Sunday League

OLD Shildon maintained their championship assault with a vital 2-1 win over rivals the Loves.  more...

It's all change at the top

Worthington Durham County CIU Winter League  more...

Royal celebrations as First Love takes jumping victory

NO apologies for leading with a horse, owner and trainer not from D&S land this week, but royal history was made on Tuesday when the Queen had her first jumps winner in 53 years.  more...

Squash: D&C edged out

Counties championships  more...

Bowls: EIBA Over-60s double rinks, area final

Hartlepool enjoyed home advantage and a 42-26 victory over Great Ayclifee and will play the winner of the Lincoln/Leicester match at a neutral venue.  more...

A Hoggarth and Sons Eskvale and Cleveland League

Grosmont v Gt Ayton: Aeven game for the first 15 minutes at which time Gt Ayton won a penalty, which was converted well by Leng.   more...

Hathaway and Cope Stokesley League

St. Mary's Coll. OB 8 v 0 Black Horse: The College reduced Thornaby Mandale's lead at the top of the table to just two points with Mark Elliott hitting a hat-trick.  more...

Stokesley and District League

Division A  more...

Stainsby success puts David into Blue Chip finals

DAVID Harland, from Newton Mulgrave near Whitby, has qualified for the Blue Chip finals at Solihull in April after winning the 39-starter BEIB Star qualifier at Stainsby Grange, writes Malcolm Bewsher.  more...

CIU Singles Championship

First round results:   more...

The Albany Northern League Today

Esh Winning are claiming a league first by scoring three goals in just over a minute on Saturday against Peterlee.  more...

Fives and Threes

Darlington and District League  more...

Morrison receives call-up

James Morrison from Darlington has been selected for the England Under-17 football squad to travel to Greece for a friendly international next week.  more...

Whist: CIU Championship

First round results:   more...

T M Disco Crook and District League

West Auckland Queens Head are proving excellent representatives for the league in the Durham Minor Cup and they reached the quarter-finals with a victory at Winlaton Vulcan.   more...

Swimming: Bedale Sharks

The season got off to a great start for Bedale Sharks swimmers at AA Graded Galas in Middlesbrough and Harrogate.   more...

Cribbage: CIU Championship

Quarter final results:  more...

Squash: Johnson heroics not enough to save D&C

Under 17 Inter-County Championships Stage Two  more...

Ice Hockey: Junior round-up

Sunderland Scorpions returned to the top of the women's premier league after defeating Bracknell Queen Bees 4-2 at the Telewest Arena. Bracknell's recent form of late had seen them move into the top five which is separated by only two points.  more...

Good Vibes back in favour after Wetherby win

CHERRY Coward's Good Vibes (Middleton) - cast as the villain when he ran out and carried out the favourite in the Witton Castle ladies open seven days previously - became the hero when he won the first division of the men's open at the Badsworth and Bramham Moor point-to-point at Wetherby last Sunday.  more...

Volleyball: Darlington college reaches final

A team of sixth form volleyball players have won through to the British Colleges National Finals at Loughborough University in March.  more...

Hockey: Sunday Invitation Ladies League

After a long break New Dales recommenced their season entertaining Roseberry on a bright blustery Sunday morning.   more...

Railway back on track

A dispute which led a team of North Yorkshire FA Cup heroes to resign has been settled.  more...

Junior round-up

Chester-le-Street Town; Chester Juniors have won through to their third successive League Cup Final.  more...

Pony dates

Area 1A. - Mar 8: Winter qualifying show, Dalton Piercy, sae to Mrs T Baldwin, 24 Pinewood Crescent, Heighington, Darlington DL5 6RP, enquiries tel 01325 317962.  more...

Thanks for the memory man

Lest we forget, the column recalls Leslie Welch the Memory Man, relives a wonderful example of Childs play, goes the extra mile for a Darlington Olympian and sadly settles a bet in Horden.  more...

Athletics: Durham City Harriers

Durham City Harriers Shaun Moralee, 17, of Langley Park scored a magnificent victory in his first Harriers League as a senior at the Durham Pine Cross Country at Blaydon.  more...

Tennis: League to call time on late finishes

A bid to streamline matches and put an end to late finishes has been put forward.   more...

Tyne Tees Girls Youth League

Under-12s  more...

North Hockey League

Premier Division: Ben Rhydding 4, Brooklands Man U 1; Harrogate 5, Warrington 1; Oxton 2, City of York 1; Sheffield Hallam 4, Timperley 5; Sheffield Hallam 4, Timperley 5; Southport 3, Sheffield U Bankers 4; Wigan 2, Durham Uni 5.  more...

Junior round-up

Redcar Town: Redcar Under-15s entertained Darlington Spraire Lads last Sunday and Darlington scored the first goal through S Healey who was a constant thorn in Redcar's side all day.  more...

New County North Durham Youth League

Birtley are still out in front of the Under-16 division following their 9-3 victory at home to Beamish.  more...

Junior round-up

Darlington 21st Allstars  more...

Historic race lives again at Sedgefield

SEDGEFIELD racecourse is reviving the first race ever run at the track - way back in 1730.  more...

Angling

Torrential overnight rain pushed the Tees up 5ft before the 'all in' for Sunday's 70 pegger North York South Durham Federation Thompson Memorial.  more...

Durham deliver fine hat-trick

Durham County: Durham played Northumberland, newcomers to Region One Inter Counties Pool Championship, at Sacriston Daisy Hill and produced three outstanding results.  more...

Stepy's Coaches Durham Sunday League

Houghton Glendale Social made it three out of four for of the League's teams to qualify for the semi-finals of the Durham County FA Sunday Cup.   more...

Bedale

Rain greeted members who arrived to take part in this opening event of the captain's year but luckily this soon went and was replaced by sun later in the morning.   more...

Basketball

Durham League  more...

Sunderland Hockey Club

Sunderland ladies hockey club have been in the National League since its inception, playing in division one against strong competition such as Doncaster and Loughborough students, it is hardly surprising that this season, like previous ones, has been challenging and has tested the team morale that the Sunderland girls pride themselves on.  more...

Ex-champ Mosley opens new club

Former world champion Neil Mosley is aiming to launch a snooker revolution in Hartlepool, writes Neil Andrews.  more...

Victory for on-tour Darlington

Darlington Under-12s were on tour over the weekend and they visited Chester to play a match that preceeded the North Division One meeting of Chester 1sts v Darlington 1sts.  more...

Games: Cockton Hill hold strong advantage

Bishop Auckland and District CIU Winter  more...

RA are on the right track

Martyn Jackson and Dave Woodcock are in buoyant mood, and so they should be. Just two days earlier a 4-0 win at Whitehaven was Darlington Railway Athletic's ninth consecutive victory and they are riding high in the Wearside League.  more...

Badminton

Darlington and District League  more...

Squash

Hambleton Ales North Yorkshire League: A second team gave a helping hand to its first stringers bidding for the First Division title.  more...

Athletics: Quakers

On Sunday, February 2, two Quakers competed in the undulating Ferriby ten mile road race at Hull. In windy conditions, Ian Scott had another excellent race by finishing second over 45 and 13th overall out of 350 competitors in a time of 58:39, followed by brother Mike Scott, 179th, 1:16:08.  more...

Motorsport: Pickering gears up for rally

The first major rally action of the year in Yorkshire roars into action this weekend when a top quality field lines up in Pickering to contest the De Lacy MC Kall Kwik Rally this Sunday (16th).  more...

North East Christian Fellowship League

Whitley Bay Churches got their best win of season and also helped Consett Churches and Jesmond Parish Church.  more...

Dixon completes a great year with individual honour

Tow Law Bass League  more...

The UniBond League

Bishop Auckland are going ahead with their plans for an EGM of shareholders next month. The possibility of sharing the proposed new ground at Tindale Crescent with Shildon surfaced last weekend when Bishops called an EGM for March 9, but Shildon have denied any interest.   more...

Durham Alliance

Hartlepool Town go top on goal difference after a 7-2 home win against Birtley Town Reserves.  more...

Dominoes duo dominate national championships

A North-East duo are sweeping all before them in dominoes.   more...

South Cleveland Garages Teesside League

Division One: BEADS FC 1 v 2 Acklam SW  more...

South Durham Royals

Royals Under-13s travelled to North Shields and started well.  more...

Wearside League

Wolviston had cause for a double celebration last weekend.   more...

Lion and Unicorn claim shock win

Willington League  more...

Leagues round-up

South West  more...

The North East Weekend Times

Hot stuff - and prices - in a cold climate

SNOW, or the threat of it, makes auctioneers nervous. Will the buyers, the dealers especially, dare to travel? Should one cancel? In my experience, bad weather often has a perverse effect in that people, horrified that a rival will have the field to themselves, risk life and limb to make it to the sale.  more...

Looking Back

FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - Ripon schools and the Education Act. The managers of Ripon schools have been busy in the last week, selecting their foundation managers, preparatory to handing over the schools to the County Council. The Cathedral School managers held their meeting at the Town Hall on Monday night. After a long discussion, it was agreed to apply to the West Riding County Council for a scheme of twelve managers rather than six. Eight will be foundation managers, four being ex-officio, to include the Dean, the Mayor for the time being, and the two Minor Canons, while four will be elected by subscribers, and the other four appointed by County and City Councils.  more...

Getting to the heart of tradition

TODAY is the feast day of St Valentine, known far and wide as Valentine's Day and inevitably associated with romantic gestures of the human kind.  more...

Golden chance to restore our glorious shires

PAPERS released recently under the 30-year rule revealed a jaw-dropping plan. The boundaries of Northern Ireland were to be redrawn. Half a million people, a third of the province's population, were to be forcibly shunted from one part to another. Sketch maps show the redesigned state - a desperate response by premier Edward Heath to the notorious Troubles.  more...

Learn and have fun during half-term at the Bowes

A FULL programme of exhibitions and activities continues at the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle during the spring, including family fun for half-term next week.  more...

The North East, News

TA soldiers head for Gulf

The first wave of Territorial Army soldiers from the region are preparing to leave their family and friends for possible deployment in the Gulf.  more...

£100,000 fine for leaving human waste in lorries

A clinical waste disposal company was fined £100,000 today for offences including leaving human waste to rot in lorries.  more...

Charles visits ancient Yorkshire village

The Prince of Wales was today visiting an award-winning village which dates back to the time of the Domesday Book.  more...

Tweedy brother in court

The brother of Girls Aloud star Cheryl Tweedy was back in court yesterday bringing more trouble for his sister.  more...

The North East,Consett News

Neville Husband jailed for eight years

A disgraced Christian minister has been jailed for eight years after being convicted of a series of sickening sex attacks on teenage boys.  more...

The North East,Durham,East Durham News

Youth stabbed on 18th birthday

A MURDER investigation was underway today after a teenager celebrating his 18th birthday was stabbed to death.  more...

The North East,Teesside News

Taxi driver stabbed by robbers

Police are hunting two robbers who stabbed a taxi driver in the head and made off with his takings.  more...

Tyneside News

Singing for charity

A CHOIR gives a concert this weekend to support three North-East charities.  more...

News in brief: Sunday stroll for ramblers

Groundwork West Durham's Acorn Amblers will be going on their second walk of the year on Sunday at Low Westwood, starting at 1.30pm at Beech Grove, Blackhall Mill.  more...

Wear Valley,Bishop Auckland News

News in brief: Council grants rates relief

Darlington Borough Council has granted an application for discretionary rates relief from Firthmoor Association for Community Enterprise.  more...

Town hall exhibition celebrates artists' work

PAINTINGS, pottery and textiles created by more than 80 artists have gone on display in a Bishop Auckland gallery.  more...

Housing plan 'not suitable for area'

PEOPLE fighting plans to build 57 homes in Barnard Castle are celebrating after councillors went against planning officers' advice and rejected the application.  more...

Poetry skills take to the airwaves

RADIO listeners across the country will find out how a special school is using poetry to help its pupils learn a host of subjects.  more...

Slimming in aid of NSPCC

MEMBERS of the Slimming World class in Clifton Community Centre, Darlington, are embarking on a six-week sponsored slimathon to raise money for the NSPCC, and are inviting others to take part.  more...

Musicians invited to perform worldwide

AN internationally renowned band from Newton Aycliffe has taken part in its biggest event.  more...

Village community centre launches funding bid

VOLUNTEERS are looking for funding to help refurbish their meeting place.  more...

Caring home wanted for terrier Benji

A YORKSHIRE terrier due to have an operation to improve his eyesight needs a home.  more...

Wearside News

Grassroots: Washington

PANTO TIME: The Springwell Village Hall is the venue for Jack and Jill at 7.15pm, from Monday to Friday, with a 2.30pm matinee performance next Saturday. Tickets are £4 and £3.  more...

Your chance to vote

VOTERS are being urged to make sure they are registered for May's elections.  more...

  
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