The Northern Echo

Anger Over Art Tragedy Appeal

FAMILIES of people who died in the Dreamspace disaster hit out last night after the artist who created the inflatable was told he could appeal against his [pounds]10,000 fine. The revelation comes months after Maurice Agis, 77, was told he could pay the fine at [pounds]80 a month - or face six months in jail - following his conviction for failing to ensure the safety of visitors.

Warning After Thefts of Bikes Increases

TENS of thousands of pounds worth of mountain bikes are being stolen by what could be an organised crime gang. Police say that between 30 and 40 high-specification mountain bikes have been stolen from the Darlington area.

Promsmusicians Forced to Take Cover in Bishop's Official Home

MUSICIANS had to take cover after the weather brought disruption to a Proms in the Park last night. Fortunately for the Mowbray Ensemble, an alternative venue turned out to be one of the region's loveliest settings, St Peter's Chapel, in the Bishop of Durham's official residence, Auckland Castle.

A Dip in the Weather

TORRENTIAL rain caused misery across the region yesterday with forecasters warning of more on the way. Many rivers and streams were at bursting point last night after the downpour continued throughout the day and into the evening.

Denham's Olympic Dreams in Balance As Budget Slashed

DARLINGTON wrestler Tom Denham travels to Serbia this weekend to represent Great Britain in the European Under-18 Championships - but the reigning British champion is having to pay for his own air fare after UK Sport slashed British Wrestling's budget to 2012. Last October, Denham was invited to move to Manchester to train full-time with the British national squad.

Mother's Ultimate Gift As Youngster's Kidneys Fail

AMOTHER is to give her daughter the gift of life by donating one of her kidneys. Fifteen-month-old Rhianna Johnson, from Crook, County Durham, was born with a condition which means that one of her kidneys is not working and the other only has ten per cent function.

Drunken Man Attacked Mother-in-Law with Bat

POLICE used a Taser stun gun to subdue a man who barricaded himself into his home, making threats to shoot the officers. Owen Anthony Williams, who had been drinking, had been involved in a heated dispute with his heavily pregnant partner on the doorstep of their home in Shildon, County Durham, earlier on June 11.

Barney in Pole Position

Darlington Building Society NYSD Junior League WITH Darlington and Richmondshire both losing their games to the weather after making a start, Barnard Castle moved into the favourites chair in the Darlington Building Society NYSD Junior League's Northern Section without bowling a ball in anger.

Glorious Celebration of Church's Renaissance

WORSHIPPERS are filling their church with flowers over the weekend to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its reopening after a fire. The congregation of St Paul's, Evenwood, near Bishop Auckland, spent two years rebuilding their church after fire gutted the original 1860 structure in December 1907.

Saint George Slay St John

Newroc Homes Darlington & District League A THRILLING low scoring encounter between the two leading sides in the Newroc Homes Darlington & District League eventually went the way of the home club Middleton St George - but only just.

Villagers Clash Over Police Consultation

RURAL communities are at odds over a police decision to stop attending parish council meetings. Community leaders in Hurworth and Middleton St George have once again clashed over policing in Darlington's rural areas.

Teenager Was Caught Stealing Women's Underwear

A THIEF caught stuffing women's underwear into his trousers claimed he was pressured into committing the crime by older boys. Darlington Youth Court heard that the 15-year-old, who cannot be named, was caught by staff at Asda, in Whinfield Road, Darlington.

Tea Dance Date

Darlington News Round-Up in Brief

Photographer's market stall A LANDSCAPE photographer will be selling pictures for a day in Darlington market place.

Candidates Wanted for Youth Council

CANDIDATES are being sought to stand in an upcoming election for a youth council's second term of office. Great Aycliffe Youth Council was formed last year and after a difficult first term, it is looking for new councillors.

'Keep an Eye On Schools' Appeal

POLICE are asking people who live near schools to help keep an eye on them over the summer holidays. Sedgefield Neighbourhood Police Team is concerned about Trimdon Village and Trimdon Grange schools.

[Pounds]115,000 New Play Area Opens

CHILDREN, parents and councillors have celebrated the opening of a [pounds]115,000 play area in West Auckland. They worked together with Groundwork North-East to design the new facilities at New Street Recreation Ground, which includes equipment for toddlers to teenagers.

South Durham News Round-Up in Brief

Community centre's boost A COMMUNITY centre credited with reducing disorder on a housing estate has received a cash windfall to keep up its good work.

Teacher Leaves 'Best Job in the World'

A HEADTEACHER is retiring from "one of the best jobs in the world". Julie Woodyer will leave Hawes Primary School after overseeing building work taking place during the summer holidays.

Charity Picnic Is a Sell-Out

SELL-OUT crowds will descend on Thirsk Hall this evening for the fourth annual Picnic in the Park. More than 1,500 people will attend the event, in aid of Action Research, featuring the popular Abba tribute band, Abba Forever.