RICHARD Madeley is best known for presenting ITV’s This Morning show with his wife Judy Finnigan. The couple went on to front Richard and Judy on Channel Four. Born in Romford, Essex, he recently presented the ITV1 documentary ‘Madeley Meets The Squatters
Sadly, January is when many couples with marriage difficulties choose to make a fresh start, with many family lawyers reporting it as their busiest month of the year. The intensity and pressure of the festive period and couples with children delaying
A CAR passenger was killed as he changed a wheel at the roadside – five years to the day after he was pronounced dead and came back to life. Incredibly, the date of the two 'deaths' – December 27 – is the birthday of the tragic victim Alexandru
HUNDREDS of patients of a North Yorkshire doctor struck off for his involvement in the death of an Iraqi detainee rallied in support of him tonight (January 7). Northallerton GP, Derek Keilloh, was found guilty of misleading and dishonest conduct
AN alleged rapist was branded "an arrogant sexual predator" as he went on trial today (Monday, January 7) accused of attacking two young women. Leon Love, from Darlington, believed he could do what he wanted and get away with it, a jury at Teesside
A SIX-year-old watched in horror as her pet Chihuahua was mauled to death by a Boxer while the dog's owner looked on. Evie Honeyman, of Eston, was walking her dog, Rolo, near her home on Tawney Road, Eston, near Middlesbrough, with her grandmother
A NORTH-EAST council is looking for volunteers to run five of its libraries. Gateshead Council has agreed to a proposal which would result in a core network of 12 libraries across the borough, with the remaining five libraries - at Sunderland Road
A FREE shuttle train service is being offered during a three-day road closure. The Wensleydale Railway, in conjunction with Dales and District Buses, will offer the service while the road is closed in Bedale, North Yorkshire, from January 12 to
AT LAST, a spot of literary culture in Emmerdale (ITV1) where mucking out stables and dodging cowpats are the usual leisure activities. The instigators of this look at books are Bob Hope (no, not that one) and Dan Spencer. Both are lady-less. Five
KATHERINE KELLY admits that fans of Coronation Street might be shocked when they see her in ITV1’s period drama Mr Selfridge. As London socialite Lady Mae Loxley, she wears big frocks and even bigger hats and, although a married woman, has a penchant
The doors are about to open for ITV’s department store drama Mr Selfridge. Stars Jeremy Piven, Katherine Kelly and Zoe tapper talk to Steve Pratt about recreating the famous shop AWARD-WINNING American actor Jeremy Piven was struck by some of the
A FORMER Olympic diver has been given a lifetime achievement award. Charmian (CORR) Rawlings, originally from Thornley, east Durham, was honoured by British Swimming for Outstanding Contribution at Club Level. Mrs Rawlings (nee Welsh), a former
Steve Pratt talks to the boss of Bafta, Amanda Berry, about her delight in keeping her Richmond artistic links alive AMANDA BERRY has virtually lost her voice, thanks to a bad throat, but persists with both working and the interview anyway. This
Two mums have been plunged into the hard-nosed world of manufacturing after creating a business producing their own funky music bags. They tell Ruth Campbell about the lightbulb moment that started it all off SCOURING the internet for attractive
A WOMAN was kicked as she lay on the ground during an attempted robbery. The 24-year-old woman was attacked as she walked through Chester-le-Street on Friday evening. The victim, from Pelaw, was walking in the Viador area of the town at about
Today’s internet is an internet of things. What sorts of things? Things like lamps that talk to each other, even when thousands of miles apart. Giles Turnbull looks at Good Night Lamps THE internet is such a good way of staying in touch with loved
From new releases by John Le Carre and Philippa Gregory to a new take on erotic fiction, Hannah Stephenson talks to book trade insiders about their predictions for the year ahead WITHOUT doubt, Fifty Shades Of Grey was the book of 2012, whipping
A PROJECT to create a floating arts venue in the region’s tourism capital has moved a step forward. Organisers behind plans for the Arts Barge have asked City of York Council for permission to use Skeldergate Landing as the base for the scheme,
For anyone tightening their belt after the festivities, the potato is a nutritious, purse-friendly way to see off the January blues, writes Diana Pilkington JANUARY is a hard month to love. The coffers are bare, winter is in full swing and calorific
GRANT SCHEME: The Ministry of Defence has launched the Community Covenant Grant Scheme to support projects at the local level which strengthen the ties between members of the Armed Forces Community and the wider community in which they live. Projects
January’s here – and detoxing is the flavour of the month, says Abi Jackson DO a quick poll among your colleagues or friends right now and chances are some will be attempting (or talking about attempting) some sort of detox. It’s no surprise
Over-indulged at Christmas? Shed some weight in fun and pain-free ways with the assistance of these devices, says Peter Jenkinson ARE you feeling guilty – or feeling for that extra belt hole – after overindulging this Christmas? Well, don’t fear
If you want to sniff out a tasty treat, Cheese Fiend might have the answer, says Sarah Phillips THEY say that age doesn’t matter unless you are a cheese. Like most women, Anne Hurwood might not agree, but after years in the making it’s safe to
THINGS have come a long way since Ian Dowkes, 65, leapt on his bike and followed deer tracks through the trees to try a new-fangled sport called mountain biking. But 25 years later the retired aerospace engineer from West Ayton, North Yorkshire
A WOMAN who claimed benefits despite owning two houses has been ordered to hand over £106,000 after being jailed for an eight-year fraud. Sarah Elizabeth Dean was given a one-year prison sentence last April after she falsely claimed £44,698 in
ON the colour cosmetics wheel, emerald is a winner for eyes. It effortlessly enhances green eyes, draws out blues, emphasises green undertones in hazel peepers and intensifies brown eyes to make them appear deeper. It’s also the perfect complementary
Time for a New Year colour update? Emerald is the gem to covet for 2013, says Lisa Haynes FORGET the January blues. The colour of the month – and indeed 2013 – is green. The powers that be at the Pantone Colour Institute HQ have spoken and declared
A SERIAL sex offender has been banned from being alone with any young boy under the age of 16 after being released from prison. Garry Dover-Afflick, who has been described as Fagin-like Satanist, was given an interim sexual offences prevention
VOLUNTEERS are wanted to make the return of the Lindisfarne Gospels to the North-East a regionwide success. When the medieval treasures arrive in Durham in July, museums across the North-East will stage events and activities inspired by them –
FAMILY CEILIDH: Musician Pete Coe will perform at Reeth Memorial Hall with a family ceilidh followed by a concert on Friday, January 18 from 6pm. Mr Coe plays several different instruments, including bouzouki, mountain dulcimer, banjo and melodeon
THE body which runs the North York Moors National Park has backed a campaign to encourage more employers to take on apprentices. The North York Moors National Park Authority has joined seven other employers from across England in the adverts which
TWO firms have merged to create a financial services firm with a turnover in excess of £20m. Robertshaw Myers has merged with Armstrong Watson Chartered Accountants, as part of ambitious expansion plans. The group, which has 400 employees in 14 offices
THE first full inspection of court custody facilities in the North-East has painted a damning picture of the conditions faced by prisoners. An inspection of custody suites by HM Inspectorate of Prisons declared cells at Newcastle Magistrates Court
Multi-platinum selling artist and three-time Grammy Award nominee Leona Lewis will appear at Scarborough Open Air Theatre on July 12. She has sold more than 20m records worldwide and first came to prominence after winning TV’s X Factor in 2006.
DURHAM Ramblers are inviting people to see off some festive calories with a 7.5-mile walk around Summerhouse, Gainford and Piercebridge, near Darlington, on Sunday (January 13). The walk starts at Summerhouse village centre at 10.30am. For more information
A YOUTH worker is preparing for her 46th pantomime. Kath White has been performing in the amateur shows at Oxhill Youth Club, near Stanley, County Durham, after joining as a member not long after it opened in 1962. Now 50 years later she is
A LANDSCAPE gardener will lose his job after being convicted of drink driving, a court heard. John Alan Langan was stopped by police on Borough Road, Middlesbrough, in the early hours of Christmas Eve last year after CCTV operators in the town
DRUGS CHARGE: A man has been fined £70 and ordered to pay £85 towards courts with a £20 victim surcharge after pleading guilty to possession of cannabis after being arrested on December 22 last year. James David Luttman, 38, of (CORR) Knole Road, Billingham
SHARED EXHIBITION: An art exhibition of work by married couple Lynne Abley Burton and Nick Burton will take place at the Station, Richmond from Sunday, January 27 until Thursday, February 7. Both will be displaying paintings in the exhibition called
A WEBSITE has been set up to mark the history and upcoming milestone of the largest military garrison in Europe. The Catterick Garrison Centenary and History Group launched the site today (Monday, January 7) in preparation of the 2014 centenary
BOY George is set to perform at a venue best known for its afternoon tea dances as part of a scheme to change perceptions of Scarborough. The singer turned DJ will headline Club Coastival, an evening of music and lightshows at the resort’s Spa
A ONCE-STRUGGLING Darlington jewellery store has regained its sparkle after making the switch from a mainstream retailer to a hub for creative artisans. Hoppers, in Post House Wynd, last year went from trading as a regular high street jeweller
A PUB is appealing for people to share their mining memorabilia so it can reflect the region’s industrial heritage in its menus. The Miner’s Arms in Medomsley, near Consett, wants hear about the memories of pitmen and their families and use their
Acoustic folk duo Blackheart are appearing at Barningham Village Hall on Saturday 26th January. Blackheart comprises Chrissy Mosstyn and Richard Pilkington, who have been touring professionally in the UK and abroad for four years. Their show
MUDDY mayhem will descend on a County Durham park this year when runners take part in a race that’s not for the faint-hearted. The event, at Hardwick Park on Sunday, March 24, is one of a growing number of mud runs held across the country.
A CHARITY which trains mountain rescue dog teams has been given a lasting legacy thanks to the family and friends of a climber killed in an Alpine avalanche. John Taylor, 48, from Upper Poppleton, near York, died along with his friend and neighbour
HEALTH ADVICE: A health event is being held at Thornaby Central Library on Monday, January 14 between 10am and 4pm. Advisors from the NHS and other services will be on hand to offer advice about mental health, stopping smoking, ear, eye and oral
A MOTORCYCLING enthusiast, who served in the forces for ten years, is seeking fellow adrenaline junkies to join him for a sponsored skydive in aid of the RAF Association Wings Appeal. Alan Gardner, of Trimdon Village, near Sedgefield, has already
THE leader of a district council has defended the authority's decision not to renew a subscription to Welcome to Yorkshire after the joining fee was increased by almost £9,000. Coun John Blackie, leader of Richmondshire District Council, also said
Police are appealing for information following damage to four vehicles in the Stainsby Hill area of Thornaby in the early hours of New Year’s Day. Wing mirrors were damaged on four cars on Blackbush Walk, Middleton Avenue and Firbeck Walk between
HUNDREDS of people gathered to celebrate the cathedral blessing of a banner promoting recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. The Recovery Banner, which was paraded in last summer’s Durham Miners’ Gala, was designed by people from the Recovery
DRIVERS approaching temporary traffic lights may have done a double take at a misspelt road sign. The temporary signage, which has now been removed from the A167 North Road, on the outskirts of Darlington, told motorists to drive in “singel file
POLICE have urged people not to leave windows and doors open in their homes because of the risk of burglaries. Darlington Police said four of the last five domestic burglaries reported in the town occurred in houses that were not secure. A
POLICE are appealing for help to find a missing girl. Leanne Bell, 15, from Hawthorn Avenue, Sunderland, left her home address on December 26. Following inquiries, it is believed that Leanne is in the Leeds area. Officers have spoken to
A TECHNOLOGY firm has got onto the right wavelength after landing a contract with a Scottish council which will see it install specialist radio equipment to 77 gritter vehicles. Billingham-based Eemits, which supplies tailor-made communications
A MULTI-MILLION pound investment to help the expansion North-East’s growing low carbon vehicle sector by creating a centre of excellence has been made. Gateshead College is set to create an International Centre for Low Carbon Vehicle Development
SUPER slimmer Maxine Ford has set herself a new weight loss challenge for the New Year. Last year she shed more than nine stones in nine months with the Slimming World group in Consett after weighing in at 28 stones. She is determined to reach
TWO shooting enthusiasts who fell into a swollen beck after a bridge collapsed have been released from hospital. A 65-year-old man from the York area, who was airlifted to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, after suffering a head
A NEW youth theatre that aims to boost the confidence of young people is to hold a trial day later this month. Identity Youth Theatre, based at St Cuthbert’s church hall, in Market Place, Darlington, will hold its first session on Saturday, January
A MASS of tributes have been paid to a dedicated police officer who died in a road crash while responding to an emergency call. Scores of PC Andrew Bramma’s colleagues and friends visited the scene where his police van left the Masham to Ripon
A WOMAN who found two stray dogs at the weekend is appealing for someone to give them a home, if their owners cannot be found. Jan Johnson, of Hazelmere, Spennymoor, found male and female black Labradors in the town's Shaftoe Woods at 5pm on Sunday
A MUSICAL group in east Durham has secured a grant of £3,500 to help people develop their talent. Seaham Music Academy, which was established in 1992, sees more than 120 musicians descend on Seaview Primary School every Saturday. Different
A NORTH-East model of private school education is to be replicated across the globe, under a deal announced today (Monday, January 7). Six-hundred-year-old Durham School, one of the region’s leading independent schools, is to set up multiple day
A COUNCIL is to carry out an expensive public gym refurbishment despite having to make large budget cuts. Darlington Borough Council is expected to spend thousands of pounds upgrading the gym at the Dolphin Centre, in Horsemarket, to provide new
POLICE are appealing for help in tracking down arsonists who tried to set fire to a house occupied by two teenage girls. The offenders struck at about 12.20am on Sunday when they stuffed a blazing piece of paper through the letterbox of a house
COUNCILLORS Ian Galletley and Tony Richmond, members for the College ward, are holding a surgery in Abbey Junior School, in Abbey Road, on Wednesday, January 9 from 7pm to 8pm. ALE TIME: The next meeting of the Darlington branch of the Campaign
A DISCOUNT retailer stepped in to be Santa to dozens of senior citizens over Christmas. Wilkinson’s, at the Galleries shopping complex, in Washington, donated almost 50 gifts for older people who would not otherwise have received a gift at Christmas
A MAN suspected of assaulting a relative and torching her car was shot with a Taser stungun in the field in front of onlookers during a police arrest last night (Sunday, January 6). A police spokesman said officers were alerted by the fire brigade
A CANNABIS taker who grew his own plants to provide his personal supply, would have probably sold some of the surplus to fellow users, a court has ruled. Police found 14 cannabis plants growing at Ian Gary Longworth’s flat in Peterlee, County Durham
A TOWN's post office will be open for longer following a modernisation project. Spennymoor Post Office, on Oxford Street, will become an open-plan branch with six serving positions when it re-opens on February 14. It will be closed for the
A COUNCIL chairman has opened a new city centre charity office. Councillor Linda Marshall, chairman of Durham County Council, officially opened a Veterans at Ease office in Redhills, Durham City, today (Monday, January 7). The charity helps
ALMOST 140 houses have been bulldozed as part of a multi-million pound revamp of an area of Stockton. Today (MONDAY JANUARY 7) work started on the demolition of ten properties in Norton Road as part of the wider regeneration plans. Already,
A SCHOOLGIRL from the North-East has formed an unlikely friendship with a World War Two prisoner of war. Katie Spence, 15, from Consett, County Durham, was moved to write to Denis Avey after reading his book, The Man Who Broke Into Auschwitz.
Plans for a house at Blue House Farm, Hesleden Road, Blackhall, have been re-submitted to Durham County Council. Consideration is pending. SHOP FRONT: A planning application has been submitted to Durham County Council seeking planning permission
A SECOND teenager has appeared in court charged with the murder of a father-of-two who was stabbed to death two days before Christmas. The 16-year-old, from the Stanley area of County Durham, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, appeared
Nearly 600 litres of heating oil has been stolen from a property in Butterknowle. The theft took place overnight between 5th and 6th January from a tank in the property's garden. Anybody who saw suspicious activity in the area, or who has any
A THRIVING community centre on a deprived housing estate has secured European funding to help people find work. Pelaw View Community Centre, on Sherburn Road Estate, in Durham City, has been given European Social Fund (ESF) cash to support lone
ALMOST 18,000 families in the region have been hit by child benefit changes - swiping up to £2,450-a-year from a couple with three children. They are households where someone earns more than £50,000 a year, under the controversial shake-up that
A FAMILY fun day is to be held to mark the re-opening of a swimming pool following a two-month refurbishment The new-look swimming pool at Chester-le-Street leisure centre is to re-open on Monday, January 14. The council-run pool will have a new
MEMBERS of Darlington Orchestra are tuning up for their annual winter concert. The community orchestra will perform at the Dolphin Centre, Darlington, on Saturday, January 26, at 7.30pm. A stage has been built in the centre’s grand central
A MAN who was reported missing has been found by police after a search of Middlesbrough's Albert Park and the surrounding area. Police said a 30-year-old man, believed to be vulnerable, was reported missing but was found at about 10pm last night
MASQUERADE BALL: A charity fundraising masquerade ball is being held on Saturday, February 9, at Beamish Hall Hotel. There will be a four-course meal, a quiz, a raffle, a DJ and a photographer. Tickets cost £30, and the profit made goes to Project
HISTORICAL TALK: The Durham branch of the Historical Association is hosting a talk on Tuesday, January 15 at 6pm in St Giles's Church Hall, Gilesgate, Durham. The talk is entitled 'Conspiracy and Plot in Elizabethan England' and will be given by Dr
A NEW course designed to help people trace their family history starts later this month. The course, run by Durham County Record Office at County Hall in Durham City, begins on Thursday, January 31 and runs for three weeks. It will help those
THEY were nicknamed Sleeping Beauties – but their purpose was anything but beautiful. Sleekly-designed, the motorised underwater canoe was created for clandestine operations, sneaking into enemy-held harbours to wreak destruction. They were
ELDERLY patients at two North-East hospitals are enjoying free bedside terrestrial television after a unique deal was struck between NHS bosses and a private company. Currently the pay-TV company Hospedia maintain all bedside televisions at the
A PUB landlord put his life on the line when he leapt into a flooded river to save a woman from drowning. Dafydd Williams managed to reach the woman and held onto her with one hand until both were pulled to safety by a rescue team. And now
A FAMILY-RUN skip hire company has been banned from transporting waste after breaching environmental regulations. Albert Hill Skip Hire, in Darlington, will be stripped of its licence to move waste on January 18. The company was previously
A PREP school teacher has made the move to a new job in the New Year. Carolyn Williams has moved from Yarm Preparatory School at Yarm, near Stockton, where she was a senior teacher for ten years to nearby Teesside High School. Her new job is
A VOLUNTEER who worked tirelessly on a project to help people grow their own food has clinched a major award. Terry Pritchard has won the One Planet Living community award for individual volunteer of the year. He enrolled on the Big Dig project
KEEN snappers have until the end of the month to enter the North East Wildlife Trusts’ photography competition. The Durham, Tees Valley and Northumberland Wildlife Trusts joined forced with the Natural History Society of Northumbria and the Great
THE son of the man who founded baking giant Greggs has been arrested on suspicion of a historic sexual offence. Colin Gregg, 71, who for more than 30 years was a non-executive director of the North East business, was taken in for questioning on
A SAINSBURY’S bag pack raised £670 for Darlington Badminton Club. Staff at the Victoria Road store wished to thank their customers for donating so generously to club members who will put the money towards their next international tour.
A TRIP to the famed Manchester Velodrome has transformed the life of a teenage cyclist who aims to follow the footsteps of his Olympic champion heroes. Ryan Bainbridge, a student at St Aidan’s Church of England Academy, in Hundens Lane, Darlington
A MOUNTAIN rescue team was called out to help two men stranded on Roseberry Topping late at night without a working torch. Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team were also called out over the weekend to help a man who collapsed while out walking. They
ALL good things must come to an end – and sadly, we may be saying goodbye to DI Robbie Lewis at the conclusion of this series. It’s not the first time he’s left our screens, of course – the first was when Inspector Morse ended, but the signs are he
REVENGE may be another imported effort that’s set in one of America’s wealthiest areas, but where it differs from the rest of them is that it doesn’t brag or drone on about the money thing, making you want to turn off without a second thought.
A TALENTED young musician entertained more than a hundred Rotary Club members at a recent Christmas lunch. Nine-year-old pianist James Chen played at the Darlington Rotary Club lunch, entertaining those present with renditions of a lullaby by Frank
BOYZONE’S Shane Lynch has kept a secret for years. He’s struggled with reading and writing all his life, and was even asked to leave school because he was thought to be lazy and destructive. Evidently, things worked out okay for him, but after
A COMMUNITY choir is looking for new members following a successful first term. Darlington “Sing” community choir meets at Cockerton Band and Musical Institute, in Woodland Road, at 7.15pm, every Wednesday, starting on January 9. The choir,
POLICE are trying to trace a County Durham woman last seen on January 3. Sheralee Dodsworth was last seen at her home on Lillie Terrace in Trimdon Grange, near Sedgefield, by her husband before he left for work. When he returned home he found
THE multi-million pound revamp of a Teesside town is continuing with work underway on new sports facilities. Billingham’s John Whitehead Park is getting a new “multi-use games area” – a hard surface for sports such as football, basketball and netball
GERARD BUTLER might be a Hollywood hotshot who can demand an estimated $15m a movie, but he’s far from your typical film star. “I always try to remember that it’s just me, just little ol’ Gerry, I’m just a dude,” says the 43-year-old Scot, who
ENGLAND suffered a poor start to 2013 as some belowpar batting saw them slump to a 53-run defeat at the hands of India A in Delhi. The fixture, one of two warm-ups ahead of the oneday series against India, looked a modest assignment on paper but
ASHLEY Giles’ tenure as England’s new limited-overs coach may have got off to a stumbling start against India A, but Ian Bell sees no reason for panic. Giles was taking charge of his country for the first time since inheriting the 50 and 20-over
MICHAEL Hussey admitted he was looking forward to taking it easy after bringing the curtain down on his seven-year Test career as Australia whitewashed Sri Lanka with victory in the final Test in Sydney. Hussey was at the nonstriker’s end as Mitchell
SKILLS SESSIONS: Trimdon Station Community Centre has teamed up with East Durham College to hold drop-in sessions for people looking to improve their maths and English. The sessions take place on Tuesdays from 9.30am to 11.30am. Contact 01429-882200
SPENNYMOOR Town Hall Art Gallery is gearing up for a busy year, with a full exhibition programme showcasing the work of talented local artists. Six exhibitions are scheduled between January and August, starting on Saturday, January 19, with an
A COMMUNITY choir is looking for new members following a successful first term. Darlington “Sing” community choir meets at Cockerton Band and Musical Institute, in Woodland Road, at 7.15pm, every Wednesday, starting on January 9. The choir,
A SUNDAY market is looking for entertainers to perform at its first anniversary. Darlington Sunday People’s Market, which was set up in August last year, is celebrating its first anniversary on Sunday, August 4 and is looking for entertainers and
AN emotional Andy Murray successfully defended his Brisbane International title yesterday and then dedicated the win to an ill friend. Speaking on court after his 7-6 (7/0) 6-4 victory over Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, a tearful Murray said: “I’d
LIGHTS OUT: Councillors have rejected plans to erect two illuminated advertising boards at the Total petrol station, in Grange Road, Darlington. The application attracted 25 objections from residents and Darlington Borough Council turned down the
COLLEGE staff have been gearing up to take part in a six-month trial to road test electric vehicles. Bishop Auckland College staff will drive the Peugeot iOn electric car for business use and give feedback on the driving experience as well as enabling
LUCKY winners have been enjoying a winter treat after a luxury hamper charity draw. Pupils and staff at West Park Academy, in Alderman Leach Drive, Darlington, donated wine, chocolate, toiletries, biscuits, and tinned food to create the hampers
DURHAM Wildcats grabbed their fifth BBL win of the season to earn some reward for two good performances at the weekend. In a thrilling finish against Cheshire Phoenix at the Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre they hung on to win 101-96. Dave Elderkin
IF Mowden do not achieve promotion to National One this season it will surely follow next year, unless some of their talented youngsters are lured elsewhere. Among those likely to be attracting attention at a higher level is last year’s Barnard
BLAYDON survived a fright at home to Richmond when they battled back from 22-7 down to clinch their 11th successive win in National One. A yellow card proved crucial as flanker Rob Bell finished off two driving mauls while the visitors were depleted
IN 1996, London-based consultant Jeremy Walford arrived at a retirement village in County Durham to give managers two days of advice after it hit financial crisis. Fast-forward 17 years, and he is still there, although he is now running the place
Final Score: Middlesbrough 4 Hastings United 1 IF there is some truth in the notion that a cup run can harm a promotion push then somebody forgot to inform the Riverside Stadium. Middlesbrough are up and running again and believe staying in
SUNDERLAND boss Martin O'Neill admits there is a heightened need to make signings as quickly as possible after Danny Rose and Carlos Cuellar both sustained potentially long-term injuries in Saturday's FA Cup third-round draw with Bolton. Second-half
THE year just gone was a good year for superhero fans and comics enthusiasts with new movies about Batman, Spiderman, the Ghost Rider and Marvel’s Avengers. For me, the latter was the pick of the bunch. This year, we can all look forward to
AS I scanned the sports pages recently, I came across the 2013 sports calendar two page centre spread (Echo, Dec 29). As an avid sports lover and viewer I was interested to see what the forthcoming sporting year had in store. I like most sports
IN France the government is in a terrible quandary about a new tax on those earning over 1 million euros per year. At the same time the Americans are in imminent danger of falling off their fiscal cliff while trying to save their poor high earners
VISITORS to a railway museum will be able to step onto the footplate of an engine which once stood in a Butlin’s holiday camp. Locomotion: The National Railway Museum at Shildon is to host its annual Cab It! event. The scheme allows visitors
TONY MOWBRAY hopes Middlesbrough’s treatment room will ease ahead of a return to Championship action after his depleted squad successfully negotiated a potentially embarrassing FA Cup third round tie. Mowbray had 12 members of his first team squad
I WAS appalled to read Kevin Alderson’s letter (HAS, Dec 29) about the disproportionate parking fine that some friends received after a recent trip to Bishop Auckland. A fine of £50 for being 15 minutes over time is ridiculous and a classic example
A LAST-MINUTE penalty save by West Auckland’s new goalkeeper Neal Atkinson helped his side into third place in a 4-3 win at Bishop Auckland’s Heritage Park. Atkinson, signed as a replacement for Mark Bell, pushed an Andy Johnson spot-kick against
HIGH Court Judge Sir Paul Coleridge has criticised the Government for focusing on the “minority issue” of gay marriage during a time in which society was facing a “crisis of family breakdown”. Another proposal benefiting only a minority is to lift
AS we enter 2013, politicians on both sides of the Atlantic are engaging in an exchange of words, all directed supposedly at dealing with the recession. The recession, and ways of addressing the budget deficit and the level of national debt, causes
LIKE Sylvia Smith (HAS, Dec 27) I think something should done to prevent more flooding. Since I retired I tend to use motorways less and back roads more and more, travelling between Richmond and hospital in Teesside. When I look at the road
AS a long-time supporter of the Stroke Association, I’m calling on readers to nominate someone who’s been affected by stroke for the charity’s Life After Stroke Awards. These awards recognise the courage and determination of survivors as they struggle
A YEAR ago today it felt like the end for Darlington Football Club. In reality it was only the beginning. There were tears on the terraces at Barrow as 1,000 Darlington supporters watched what felt like the club’s final game as administration had
HOW can the former care minister Paul Burstow come out with the ridiculous statement that winter fuel payments should be means tested (Echo, Jan 3)? Does he not know that the electricity and gas companies have announced an average nine per cent
YORK CITY were looking to record a third successive home victory when they faced Exeter City, but two slips costs them dear. The Minstermen started brightly at Bootham Crescent, but they were not able to make the most of the early openings they
GATESHEAD are to take action after suffering their fourth postponement at the International Stadium in recent weeks. The Heed were not in action at the weekend as their game at home to Nuneaton was postponed on Friday due to a waterlogged pitch
STOCKTON Town moved into pole position when they came from behind to defeat Cleator Moor Celtic 2-1. Leigh Dunn latched on to a through ball from Dan Gullen and gave Stockton goalkeeper Adrian Swan no chance. Early in the second period Kallum
FIFA president Sepp Blatter says Kevin-Prince Boateng, the AC Milan star, was wrong to walk off the pitch after he was racially abused by fans in a friendly match last week. The man in charge of world football believes Boateng’s response – which
VOLUNTEERS have come together to help give rare flowers a chance to grow by removing thick gorse from a beauty spot. Workers removed the unwanted plants in a "scrub bashing" exercise at the Littlewood Local Nature Reserve at Cassop, in east Durham
MANSFIELD boss Paul Cox refused to condemn Luis Suarez as a cheat in the wake of the Uruguayan’s latest controversial moment. Cox, though, was left ‘‘gutted’’ for the club by the 59thminute handball from Suarez that clinched Liverpool’s place in
PLANS have been submitted to create a private travellers’ site in Darlington. The proposals would see five hardstanding caravan pitches built on residential land at Lygon House, in Neasham Road, Hurworth Moor, with an equestrian area and amenity
TO the majority of supporters inside the Riverside Stadium it was a pretty comfortable afternoon watching Middlesbrough secure a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup. For everyone associated with little Hastings United it meant much more. With
ROBIN van Persie is the textbook centre-forward, according to Manchester United team-mate Nemanja Vidic. The Dutchman came off the bench to net a sublime equaliser in stoppage time against West Ham as United salvaged a 2-2 draw from a thrilling
FIFA president Sepp Blatter does not believe AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng’s decision to walk off the pitch during a friendly was the right response to racist abuse and warned clubs risk forfeiting matches if there is any repeat. Former
MARIO Balotelli has been at the centre of a number of controversies in his Manchester City career but struck a more positive note against Watford in the FA Cup – and helped secure a dream debut for the club’s most promising young player. Manager
HOLDERS Chelsea were handed an away tie against lower-league opposition in the draw for the FA Cup fourth round made at Wembley. The Blues, who hammered Southampton 5-1 to reach this stage, will visit either League Two Southend or Brentford of
Final Score: Brighton & Hove Albion 2 Newcastle United 0 THE FA Cup has not been kind to Newcastle United when it comes to meeting Brighton and Hove Albion – but they only had themselves to blame after another south coast horror show. It
SUNDERLAND boss Martin O’Neill admits there is a heightened need to make signings as quickly as possible after Danny Rose and Carlos Cuellar both sustained potentially long-term injuries in Saturday’s FA Cup thirdround draw with Bolton. Second-half
SATISFIED boss Tony Mowbray admitted last night that the FA Cup fourth round draw had been favourable to Middlesbrough after being handed a home tie with Aldershot. While Sunderland will play the winners of tonight’s third round tie between Cheltenham
A MAJOR exhibition celebrating the life of a County Durham astronomer and surveyor is being planned. Cockfield-born Jeremiah Dixon worked with Charles Mason to establish the border between Maryland and Pennsylvania – the Mason-Dixon line – which
ALAN PARDEW felt aggrieved at being forced to field reserve players as his Newcastle United side were dumped out of the FA Cup at the first time of asking. James Tavernier, Paul Dummett, Nile Ranger, Mehdi Abeid and Rob Elliot were all involved
NORTH-EAST athletes helped Great Britain and Northern Ireland take second place in the BUPA Edinburgh Cross Country international after a storming last-race performance by Ireland's double European Cross Country champion Fionnuala Britton snatched overall
THE cost of employment tribunal claims to the region’s cash-strapped councils is revealed today by The Northern Echo with some admitting such claims are placing an increasing strain on their budgets. The Echo contacted several local authorities
Jeremy Walford, director of Middleton Hall Retirement Village, near Darlington. IN 1996, London-based consultant Jeremy Walford arrived at a retirement village in County Durham to give its management two days of advice after it hit financial
A DOCUMENTARY charting the life of the world's first black professional footballer, who started his career in the North-East, will be screened tonight. (Monday, January 7) Arthur Wharton played in goal as an amateur for Darlington FC in 1885, before
A CHIEF Constable last night led tributes a policeman who died when his van hit a tree while responding to an emergency call. Married father-of-two Andrew Bramma, a police constable in North Yorkshire, was responding to a 999 call when his patrol
A NEW campaign to expose the hidden nasties in everyday foods is launched today, after a survey highlighted widespread ignorance in the North-East about the food people eat. The new campaign - launched today (Monday, January 7) by Public Health
A TEENAGE martial artist has come out with top marks in her latest taekwondo test. Sara Graham (CORR) from Frosterley in Weardale has achieved a 1st Dan black belt aged only 13. The youngster, who trained for four years for the occasion, had
A SPENNYMOOR teenager wrongly assumed he was covered by insurance when test driving a friend's scooter. The 16-year-old pleaded guilty to driving without insurance when he was stopped by police in High Street, Spennymoor. South Durham Youth
INITIAL examinations reveal that a woman found dead in a County Durham home on Christmas Eve died from stab wounds. County Durham coroner Andrew Tweddle said the full cause of Lesley Ann Caile’s death still needs to be determined, but an initial
A TEENAGER shot and scarred for life while poaching for rabbits has today (Monday, January 7) been sentenced to a nine-month youth rehabilition order. However, no action is to be taken against anyone involved in firing the weapon, South Durham
AN arts group is appealing for public support to help a play about poachers in a Durham dale win a national award. The Drama in the Dale project run by Jack Drum Arts is through to the final of the Voluntary Arts Network Epic Awards. The project
A VILLAGE pub has been closed down after police discovered underage drinkers were being served and the premises used to supply Class A drugs. Durham County Council’s sub-licensing committee today (Monday, January 7) revoked the licence for the
THIEVES who syphoned off hundreds of litres of heating oil from the back garden of a Teesdale home are being hunted. Police say 600l of fuel oil – worth about £400 – was taken from the tank at a house in Butterknowle. Officers say it would
TEENAGERS who are turning their lives around with the help of a royal charity have been highly commended for a book they produced about local people of importance. Fourteen youngsters at Parkside Sports College in Willington produced the book called
TWO more officers have been suspended from a prison which is now at the centre of a number of separate disciplinary probes, The Northern Echo can reveal. The investigations concern claims of racism and that an inmate was deliberately humiliated
NORTH-East businesses are investing more than at any time since the start of the recession, according to figures from a new industry survey. The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) said its Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) showed that businesses
