The Northern Echo

Teacher Cleared of Assault On Pupil

A TEACHER'S nine-month nightmare came to an end last night when she was cleared of assaulting a pupil at a Darlington school. Margaret Morrell, from Richmond, in North Yorkshire, was charged following an allegation that she slapped a pupil on the head at a school in Darlington, on November 17 last year.

Hospital Crisis Led to Birth in Lay-By

A MOTHER last night told how she had to give birth in a lay-by on the A19 because maternity services in her home town have been suspended. Caroline Kitching delivered her son, Joshua, in the back of an ambulance half way between the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, and The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, in the early hours of Sunday.

Teacher Cleared of Pupil Assault

A TEACHER'S nine-month nightmare came to an end last night when she was cleared of assaulting a pupil at a NorthEast school. Margaret Morrell, from Richmond, in North Yorkshire, was charged following an allegation that she slapped a pupil on the head at a school in Darlington, on November 17 last year.

Joey's Girl Launches Own Fashion Line

THE girlfriend of Newcastle United's Joey Barton is following in the footsteps of Victoria Beckham by launching her own fashion line. Georgia McNeil hopes her designs will help her step out of the shadow of her famous and controversial boyfriend, who she has been with for three years.

Conman Found Vulnerable Women Online

A CONMAN preyed on vulnerable women he befriended on the internet tomilkmoney and goods from them, a court heard. Raymond JamesMcDonald also took money from family friends for foreign holidays for their sons which never materialised.

'Horrific' Driving by Drunk Motorist

A DRUNK-DRIVER who led police on a high-speed chase along the wrong side of a busy dual carriageway has been jailed. Darlington shopkeeper Kenneth Peacock was spotted racing through oncoming traffic towards Middlesbrough town centre after a night drinking whiskey.

It's Lift-Off with Moustache for Cash

PEOPLE across the region are being urged to wear a "moustache for cash" to raise money for a lifesaving air ambulance service. The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) is holding an awareness and fundraising week, from September 19 to September 26, and is hoping to top the [pounds]30,000 it raised last year.

Rebuilt Rail Wagon Evokes Memories

A REBUILT wagon has become the first of its kind to emerge from a former NorthEast wagon works in 25 years. The Wagon Works, in Shildon, County Durham, was described as the jewel in the crown of British Rail Engineering Limited before its controversial closure in June 1984.

Red Tape Scuppers Ukraine Aid Mission

A MERCY mission to deliver food, clothes, medicines and a fire engine to the people of Chernobyl has been scuppered by red tape. But Ukraine's loss is Romania's gain, as the muchneeded aid will go there instead.

Hospital Crisis Led to Birth in Lay-By

A MOTHER last night told how she had to give birth in a lay-by on the A19 because maternity services in her home town have been suspended. Caroline Kitching delivered her son, Joshua, in the back of an ambulance half way between the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, and The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, in the early hours of Sunday.

Volunteers Could Put Brakes On Speeding

VILLAGE volunteers could be armed with hand-held speed cameras in attempt to slow downmotorists driving above the limit. Durham Police are looking into the possibility of establishing a Community Speed Watch scheme in Hurworth, Middleton St George and Neasham which, if implemented, could see community-ledmeasures put in place to prevent speeding.

Autumn Must Be the Season to Be Jolly

A COMEDY club is gearing up for a season of laughs. The Hilarity Bites Comedy Club will return to Inside Out, in Beaumont Street, Darlington, on Sunday, September 6.

School Can Extend Its Classrooms

A PRIMARY school has been given provisional permission to extend its classrooms to help with anticipated extra numbers. Darlington Borough Council's planning committee has given permission for a classroom to be built in the grounds of the town's Reid Street Primary School.

Screen Course

WOULD-BE film or TV writers can enrol on a screenwriting course to help develop their skills at Darlington Arts Centre. Previous experience in creative writing is advisable, though not compulsory.

Teenager Drank Then Stolemore Alcohol

A TEENAGER drank eight cans of beer before breaking into a bar at The Northern Echo Darlington Arena to steal more alcohol, a court was told. The 17-year-old, who cannot be named, was with two men when he stole three cases of lager from Darlington Football Club's Bar 66, at the Neasham Road venue.

Darlington News Round-Up in Brief

Refuse collected one day later REFUSE and recycling collection days across Darlington will be one day later next week because of the bank holiday. From Monday until Friday, collections will take place one day later, with the Bag it, Box it, Bin it collections starting on Monday, September 7. Householders should leave rubbish out by 7.30am. Times of collection may vary. People should not report uncollected refuse until after 2pm the following working day.

Travels Inspire Artist's Exhibition

A KEEN traveller who has displayed his work across the region has opened an exhibition. Derek Hill's latest exhibition, Flaw, opened at the MylesMeehan Gallery, in Darlington Arts Centre, this week.

South Durham News Round-Up in Brief

Village history on display AN exhibition in Frosterley Village Hall this weekend will chronicle the history of the village. The exhibition will also focus on the hall itself, which this year celebrates its centenary. The display will be open today, from 10am until 4pm, on Sunday, from 1pm until 5pm, and on Monday, from 10am until 4pm.

Correction

North Yorkshire News Round-Up in Brief

Tenth year for Bedale society TICKETS for Bedale Archaeology and History Society's tenth anniversary celebrations, in Bedale Hall, on Tuesday, are on sale from The Copy Shop, at 1a Emgate, and by post from The Secretary, 3 Arrathorne, DL8 1NA, please include an SAE. They are [pounds]2 for nonmembers. The evening will include a talk called Forty Years of Old Rubbish - memories and anecdotes of archaeology and archaeologists, refreshments, a raffle, a competition for the best historical costume...