The Northern Echo

'Gang Killed Man Over Phone Theft'

A GANG of homeless people battered their friend to death after an argument over a mobile phone, the first day of a murder trial heard yesterday. Simon Sneddon's badly beaten body was found on the living room floor of a terraced house in Darlington last November.

Killer Silent Over Location of Body

THE father-of-two convicted of murdering teenager Jenny Nicholl has refused to relieve her family's suffering by revealing where he hid her body. David Hodgson has ignored a request by police to disclose the whereabouts of the 19year-old's remains.

Online Sites Criticised Over Abuse Measures

ONLINE networking sites have been criticised for failing to add a link to allow youngsters to report abuse and bullying. Sites including Facebook and MySpace have so far declined to feature the link to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP).

Farmhand Guilty of 11 Welfare Charges

A FARMHAND has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to more than 100 dogs. Marc Ian Young, of Hawthorn Terrace, Bishop Middleham, County Durham, had denied 11 animal welfare charges.

Region's Rivers On Flood Alert - More Rain Forecast

FOURTEEN flood warnings remained in place last night along five of the region's rivers - the Tees, Wear, Ure, Nidd and Ouse. In addition, 22 flood alerts are in force on a further 11 rivers across the North-East and Yorkshire, including the Swale, Wiske, Gaunless and Tyne plus coastal streams in Redcar and Cleveland.

Killer Silent Over Location of Body

THE father-of-two convicted of murdering teenager Jenny Nicholl has refused to relieve her family's suffering by revealing where he hid her body. David Hodgson has ignored a request by police to disclose the whereabouts of the 19year-old's remains.

'Homeless Gang Beat Their Friend to Death'

A GANG of homeless people battered their friend to death after an argument over a mobile phone, the first day of a murder trial heard yesterday. Simon Sneddon's badlybeaten body was found on the living room floor of a terraced house in Darlington in November last year.

Drink Driver in Prison After Being Caught Eight Times

A BANNED motorist caught drink-driving for the eighth time was finally behind bars last night for leading police on a high-speed chase through a town centre. Stephen Mitchell raced off in his stepfather's car when traffic officers tried to stop him in Darlington - hours after he had attended amemorial service for his brother.

A Fair Day for Opening Nursery Clubs

A NURSERY near Darlington has organised a Christmas craft fair to mark the opening of an after-school and holiday club. High Bank Day Nursery, in Stapleton, North Yorkshire, is staging the craft fair at nearby Manfield Village School from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday.

Church Marks Handel's Death

A DARLINGTON church will join a nationwide project to mark the 250th anniversary of Handel's death. Members of St James the Great Church, in Albert Hill, will sing the Hallelujah Chorus on Sunday as part of the BBC's project to mark the anniversary of the composer's death.

Celebration of a Successful Year

HUNDREDS of people enjoyed an evening of music, dance and awards as a college celebrated one of itsmost successful years. An awards night was staged at Darlington Civic Theatre as scores of Darlington College students were officially recognised for their endeavours.

Darlington News Round-Up in Brief

Church building on the cards A DARLINGTON church has printed Christmas cards to celebrate its new building.

South Durham News Round-Up in Brief

Partnership makes donation THE Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership (AAP) has donated [pounds]42,500 towards tackling alcohol misuse in the area. The AAP awarded the grant to the Crime and Community Task and Finish group, with match-funding from Durham County Council's Stronger, Safer Communities Fund boosting the grant to more than [pounds]70,000. The money will help to fund posts for support workers specialising in alcohol and family issues.

Alarm Bells Ringing Over Hard-Sell Tactics

POLICE and Trading Standards have issued a warning about door-to- door salesmen using hard sell tactics on vulnerable householders. At least two elderly people, in Wo lsingham and Ferryhill, have been targeted by a company selling home security systems.

Centenarian Celebrates Birthday in Africa

A WOMAN from County Durham has celebrated her 100th birthday in her African retirement home. Margaret Edna Ibbotson celebrated the occasion last Tuesday at the Edith Duly Nursing Home, in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Market Hosts Entertainment

MIDDLETON-IN-TEESDALE is getting into the Christmas spirit next week. On Saturday, November 28, there will be festive entertainment at a farmers'market in the high street, where the Christmas tree lights will be switched on and Father Christmas will visit.

Children Welcomed Into Business Fold

CHILDREN were given a taste of life in the business fast lane this week. Year nine pupils at Sedgefield Community College took part in a duck day on Monday, working in a simulated business environment.

Christmas Rush for Choral Singers

THE Crook and Weardale Choral Singers are preparing for a busy season of festive concerts. One of the highlights is a concert at Auckland Castle, on Thursday, December 10. It is organised by Bishop Auckland Music Society and takes place in the Throne Room, at 7.30pm.

Village Holds Festive Fair to Save Hall

A VILLAGE will hold a festive fair later this month to raise funds for a campaign that aims to save its historic church hall. St Peter's Church, in Byers Green, near Spennymoor, needs to raise money to refurbish the hall, which is in need of structural and cosmetic improvements.

Residents Angry Over Plans to Build Homes

RESIDENTS have reacted angrily to plans to build 44 homes on private land that was once protected from development. Richmondshire District Council's planning committee is due to consider whether to give outline planning permission to proposals for the development on land owned by the Zetland Estate, between Stanley Grove and Gilling Road, in Richmond.