Live News: October 26, 2012 (From The Advertiser Series)

5:24pm

A REPORT has revealed the cost of restoring the world-famous Flying Scotsman has more than trebled from initial predictions and is still not complete.

Restoration work on the iconic steam locomotive began in January 2006 at the National Railway Museum in York.

Repairs were initially predicted to last one year and cost about £750,000. But a report commissioned by the museum has revealed the cost has risen to about £2.7m – more than three times the original budget - and is still not complete.
 

5:07pm

DARLINGTON STABBING: Police have confirmed that a man has been stabbed on Gladstone Street, Darlington, in the last hour.

He has been taken to James Cook University Hospital and although his injury is not thought to be life-threatening, Insp Chris Knox of Darlington Police said its seriousness could not be confirmed until an internal examination has been carried out.

The man was stabbed during a domestic argument inside a house on Gladstone Street.

A woman, believed to be in her late teens or early twenties, has been arrested and taken into police custody.

4:42pm

4:11pm

SCOT FREE: SUNDERLAND have finally completed the signing of Scottish midfielder James McFadden on a three-month contract.

Read the full story here

3:25pm

Romance is in the air in Hurworth village today.

An Austrian couple got engaged this afternoon underneath their country's flag which is flying on the village green.

Michi Kroll popped the question to long-term girlfriend Barbara Maczejka underneath the flag which is being flown to mark National Austria Day.

3:21pm

3:18pm

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3:16pm

12:24pm

Middlesbrough unveil a cut-price ticket initiative - their home game against Sheffield Wednesday will cost £12 for adults and £7 for concessions.

Tony Mowbray said: “Maybe it’s just because I’m from the area, but I think we have a unique football club that has a very special role in the lives of the people of Teesside. It's in our blood.

"Having sat in a packed Riverside as a fan, I know it makes so much difference for the team and gives the players a much better chance of winning football matches.

“We saw that last season when we had around 27,000 in for the games against Hull City and Sunderland and they were rewarded with two very good performances.

"Hopefully our supporters will respond to this offer and we’ll see a good crowd getting behind their team for this game.”

12:14pm

POLICE APPEAL: British Transport Police have appealed for information after a female train manager was assaulted by a passenger.

As the train pulled into Durham, the man attempted to grab her and kiss her.

She pushed him away and he got off the train. 

Do you recognise him?

Anyone who recognises the man or has any information about the incident is asked to call BTP on 0800-40-50-40 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111, quoting reference NEA/4 of 25 October 2012.

Read the full story here

11:53am

11:48am

FOOTBALL: No news today to come on the next Hartlepool boss - Darrell Clarke remains bookies fav at 3-1. Currently boss at Salisbury, he was a real character during his time as a player at the club. Dave Penney, the former Darlington manager, is keen. 

11:27am

England's first snowfall

The first snow fell in England today as autumn takes on a more wintry feel.

Snowflakes covered the ground in North Northumberland, leaving a dusting on fields and pavements as temperatures dipped just below zero this morning.

Couple Helen and Jamie Sims stopped near to Kielder Forest so they could enjoy the pretty scenes as they drove from their home in Edinburgh to London.

Helen said: "We're originally from New Zealand so we haven't seen much snow before. We weren't expecting it so we stopped the car to enjoy the view."

Janet Julian and her sister Margaret Brennan also stopped on their drive from South Yorkshire as they made their way to a holiday cottage in Fife.

Janet said: "We drive this route because it's scenic, the snow is like an added bonus."

10:46am