The Northern Echo

Accused of Trying to Kill His Baby

A FATHER has been charged with trying to murder his baby son by poisoning him with drugs when he was only weeks old. Graham Parkin, from Darlington, faces a number of assault and cruelty charges dating from late last year.

Keegan: Decision to Leave Is Vindicated

KEVIN KEEGAN said yesterday's decision to award him [pounds]2m for constructive dismissal from Newcastle United vindicated "one of the most difficult decisions" of his life. Keegan walked out of a [pounds]3m-a-year contract at St James' Park in September last year in protest at the signing of Uruguayan midfielder Ignacio Gonzalez after he told executive director Dennis Wise that he did not want the player.

Three-Day Food Festival Launches with a Bang

PEOPLE poured through the gates yesterday for the first day of a food festival. The second annual Darlington Food Festival was launched with a Chinese lion dance.

Gp: No Hospital Bed in County for Cancer Patient

A GP who says he was told there was no bed available in County Durham for an acutely ill patient has strongly criticised the downgrading of a hospital. The long-serving GP, who asked not to be identified, said: "There is nothing left at Bishop Auckland Hospital. It is a disgrace."

Past, Present and Sustainable Future Reflected in Art Display

A BEEKEEPER has become the latest giant image to be displayed in an outdoor exhibition at one of a North-East town's main approaches. A photograph called The Beeman is the new image for Futurescope, a circular display, 45ft in diameter, at Darlington's Lingfield Point business park.

Leaked Report Into Gas Pipe Blunder to Be Heard in Public

A CONFIDENTIAL report into a [pounds]780,000 gas pipe blunder will be discussed in public after The Northern Echo revealed details of the secret document. A confidential solicitors' report into costly delays to the Pedestrian Heart project after a digger hit a gas pipe in January 2006 will be moved to the public part of next week's cabinet meeting by Darlington Borough Council leader John Williams.

Voices Raised in Protest and Praise Over Saint

A HANDFUL of demonstrators protested outside York Minster yesterday as hundreds of Christians gathered to see a casket of visiting holy Catholic relics. The bodily remains of St Therese of Lisieux - a 19th Century Roman Catholic nun - is described by some as the "greatest saint of modern times".

Pc in Fatal Crash Facing Retrial As Jury Discharged

A POLICE officer accused of causing the death by careless driving of a bride-to-be will face a retrial after a jury failed to reach a verdict yesterday. The jury was discharged by Judge Christopher Prince after he was told the nine women and three men were split on their decision about the case.

Gunner Killed On Patrol in Helmand

AN RAF serviceman based in the region has been killed in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said yesterday. The gunner, from 34 Squadron RAF Regiment, based at RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire, died on Thursday afternoon.

Darlington News Round-Up in Brief

Stars winner in dinner show STARS In Their Eyes winner Jason Searle will perform at a music and comedy night in The George Hotel, Piercebridge, near Darlington, on Saturday, October 17, from 7pm. Also appearing will be singer Taylor K and comedian Brenda Collins. Tickets cost [pounds]25, which includes a twocourse meal and coach pickup from points around Teesdale. Book on 01833638736 or 07824-773993.

Play Warns Students of Dangers

TEENAGE students will learn about the dangers of drinkdriving and drug-driving through a series of theatre performances. Ape Theatre Company will visit year 11 pupils across Darlington with a performance of the play Too Much Punch for Judy.

Students Win Competition for Healthy Logo

STUDENTS have designed a logo for a campaign to improve health in youngsters. Darlington Primary Care Trust and Darlington Borough Council's youth services called for people to come up with a symbol for the Healthy Youth Work Standards.

Celebrating Success by Primary Schools

FIGURES have shown Darlington is the most improved local authority in the country for primary pupils gaining the benchmark level four or above in English. The Government statistics, shown to Darlington Partnership earlier this month, mean that out of 152 authorities, Darlington Borough Council is now eighth in the country for key stage two pupils gaining level four or above in both English and maths.

Free Safety Check

Celebrity-Style Game for Six Councillors

IT may not involve eating tropical bugs or surviving on rice rations, but six Darlington councillors have put themselves forward for their own I'm A Celebrity-style challenge. Councillors Mark Burton, Jenny Chapman, Anne-Marie Curry, Doris Jones, Alex Nicholson and Andrew Scott are taking part in the national I'm a councillor, get me out of here online event.

Community Says Goodbye to Priest

A PRIEST who has served the communities of Ferryhill and Chilton for a decade has moved parishes. Father Brian Murphy was the parish priest for All Saints' Catholic Church, Ferryhill, and The Sacred Heart Church, in Chilton, for ten years. He has moved to the parish of Willington.

South Durham News Round-Up in Brief

Vandals smash church windows POLICE are appealing for witnesses after two windows were smashed at a church in Ferryhill onWednesday evening. Bricks were thrown through the glass at All Saints' Church, in Dean Road, between 4pm and 9.30pm. It is thought the bricks may have been thrown over a wall. Anyone with information is asked to call PC Dave Greenwell, on 0345-60-60-365.

Proposal for Flood Defence Opposed

CONTROVERSY is swirling around a defence scheme for a flood- blighted town proposed by the Environment Agency. The Government flood agency has responded to longterm pressure to draw up a scheme to combat problems from Cod Beck, Thirsk.

Recitals to Raise Funds for Organ

A CAMPAIGN to raise [pounds]16,000 to help clean and repair organ pipes used at the wedding of writer James Herriot is to hold fundraising recitals. Two years ago, St Mary's Church, in Thirsk, spent [pounds]45,000 on repairs and a new electro-pneumatic system for the organ.

Brother and Sister On Road to Karate Glory

A TALENTED brother and sister team are looking forward to representing their country at karate. Teenagers Aaron and Abigail Tarleton Hodgson live in Kirkby Fleetham and attend Bedale High School.