The Northern Echo

Horseback Healing

Christine and Nick Barratt-Atkin's dream was to open a centre providing riding therapy for the disabled. Health Editor Barry Nelson pops in for a ride THE Wild West-style whoops coming from the riders showed that they were having the time of their lives. The noises are coming from visitors from Craigmoor House, in Barnard Castle, a home for people with learning disabilities.

Royal Connections

Andy Walker and Dani Webb soak up the atmosphere at a discreet central London hideaway EVER fancied staying in a hotel that looks out over the Queen's back yard?

Electric Vehicles Group Terminates Ford Project

EARLY success for a NorthEast electric vehicle firm's US operation has led to it turning its back on a much-heralded partnership with Ford. Smith Electric Vehicles US Corp (SEV US Corp), which is 49 per cent owned by the Wearside-based Tanfield Group, expressed delight in February when a partnership agreement was reached with Ford to develop and introduce the electric version of the Transit Connect van in the US.

No Independent Probe Into Wrong Conviction

THE 30-year-old police investigation that led to one of Britain's worst miscarriages of justice will not come under independent public scrutiny. The Independent Police Complaints commission says it would "serve no purpose" to look into Hampshire Police's handling of the case which led to North-East-born Sean Hodgson spending more than half his life as a convicted murderer.

Young Protestors Fight to Save Community Centre

YOUNG protestors have joined forces in a bid to block the demolition of a community centre. Members of a popular youth club in Melbourne House, Middlesbrough, are determined to stop the building being torn down.

New Bridge Over Troubled Waters

PEDESTRIANS who had to take a lengthy detour after a footbridge was washed away in floods are back on the right track. Kenneth's Bridge, over the River Wear, in Frosterley, County Durham, was swept away in a torrent of water in September last year.

Sister Pays Tribute to Farmer Killed in Road Crash

A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving and causing death by dangerous driving after a farmer died when his tractor was hit by a car. Raymond Handley, 71, was driving his tractor on the westbound A66 in County Durham at about 5.30pm on Thursday when it was hit by a black Jaguar car, travelling in the same direction.

'I Felt As If My Heart Had Been Ripped Out'

Ashleigh Hall waved goodbye and promised to be back home the next day. Then she slipped out of the door never to be seen again alive by her family.

'I Felt As If My Heart Had Been Ripped Out'

Ashleigh Hall waved goodbye and promised to be back home the next day. Then she slipped out of the door never to be seen again alive by her family. David Roberts hears a mother's anguish ANDREA HALL has only just been able to summon up the courage to enter her daughter's bedroom.

Pope Invited to Make First Visit to North-East

AN invitation has been sent to the Vatican that could see the first papal visit to the NorthEast. University and religious leaders hope Pope Benedict XVI will accept their invitation to become the first world leader of the Roman Catholic church to visit the region, by delivering an address in Durham City.

Hospice Fundraisers Drive Each Other Up the Wall

ROCK climbers were scaling new heights yesterday in aid of a hospice appeal. Dozens of people teamed up at Rock Antics, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, to climb the 8,848-metre height of the world's highest peak - Mount Everest.

Darlington News Round-Up in Brief

Taxi firm boost for charity 1AB TAXIS will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a charity fundraising night in aid of Help for Heroes, at Aspire, Crown Street, Darlington, from 7pm, on Tuesday, November 24.

Clarification

Meeting Allays Residents' Concerns

DEVELOPERS and ward councillors havemet with residents to discuss concerns about a housing application. Northstar Housing has submitted plans to demolish a garage in Hutton Avenue, Darlington, and build a bungalow to accommodate disabled people and carers.

Occupants Lucky to Escape As Car Bursts Into Flames

A DRIVER and his mother were rescued by two brothers just moments before their car burst into flames. The Rover 25 caught fire at the roundabout at the end of Crown Street, Darlington, at 11.25am yesterday, in front of scores of shoppers.

Chance of a Trip to Lapland

ONE family is set to meet Santa Claus at his home in Lapland in a Christmas competition. The Cornmill Shopping Centre launches its competition tomorrow to fly a family of four to Lapland.

First Winner of Bill's Trophy

A TEENAGER has won the first fishing competition set up to honour a community champion. Fisherman took part in the 2009 Champions fishing contest at Maidendale Nature and Fishing Reserve, in Darlington. They competed for the Bill Cook Memorial Trophy, in memory of Mr Cook, a stalwart of the Firthmoor community who died last month aged 78.

Golden Couple Are Always Together

MARRIAGE has not lost its shine for a couple who ran a shop together. Jean and Bobby Mundell, of Ennerdale Grove, West Auckland, are to celebrate 50 years together today after meeting at a factory they both worked in as teenagers.

South Durham News Round-Up in Brief

Board meets to agree budget THE Teesdale Action Partnership (Tap) Forum met on Tuesday night to discuss priorities in the area. The Tap boardwillmeet to discuss projects and agree the initial allocation of this year's budget on Wednesday, November 11, in Toft Hill and Etherley Village Hall. Anyone who wants to attend, orwhowould like to join the Tap Forum, can call either Maggie Wilson on 01833-696231, or Anne Magee on 01833-696214.

'Ghost Town' Fear If Car Park Plan Lost

TOURISM chiefs have warned that Bedale could be turned into a "ghost town" if plans for a car park alongside a proposed bypass do not become a reality. Yvonne Rose, chairwoman of the town's Chamber of Trade and Tourism, says the so-called "gateway car park" is vital for Bedale's future economic health.