The Northern Echo

Russians Threaten to Sink Sailor,71

A 71-YEAR-OLD sailor on an arctic adventure was at the centre of an international incident when Russian gunboats threatened to fire on his vessel. The North-East seafarer, speaking from Russia last night, told how he was ordered to turn his boat around and sail to Murmansk, or risk being sunk by the Russian coastguard.

Police Fly to Cyprus in Hunt for Claudia

SIX months after the disappearance of missing chef Claudia Lawrence, police have extended their investigation to Cyprus. Detective Superintendent Ray Galloway, who is heading the inquiry, said four officers had been sent to the holiday island to speak to a man there whoMiss Lawrence knew, and who was in England on the day she went missing.

Hounds of Love

THOUSANDS of people have attended the opening day of the region's premier canine event. Organisers of the Darlington Dog Show, held at Newby Hall, near Ripon, in North Yorkshire, have said that despite the recession the event has been a great success attracting nearly 8,200 entries.

Great Shots Go a Fairway to Rewriting the Record Books

A 17-YEAR-OLD golfer has broken his home course record during a league game. Adam Rochester, a member of Blackwell Grange golf club in Darlington, shot the course's lowest round with a round of 62.

Woman Left On Country Road by Car-Jackers

A WOMAN was left alone on a country road after her car was hijacked by a gang she had stopped to help following an accident. The good Samaritan was left shaken, but unhurt by the incident near Leyburn, North Yorkshire, on Thursday afternoon.

Boxing Clever for a Star Career in Ring

WHEN Ellis Corrie kicked offhs Thai boxing career to beat the bullies, little did he know just how successful his decision would be. Nearly four years ago, Ellis'mother, Joanne, took the Darlington youngster to the renowned Darlington Boxing and Martial Arts Academy.

Knife Threat by Shoplifters

POLICE were called to a Darlington supermarket after two shoplifters threatened to stab a security guard. The thieves were stopped by staffa Morrisons, in North Road, shortly before 1pm on Wednesday.

Kes Goes On Stage

Sporty Student Wins University Cash Award

A SPORTY student has won an award which encourages teenagers to go to university. Hannah Marshall, 17, from Darlington has won recognition at Teesside University's Passport Pride Awards for her passion for sport.

Agency Examining Foam On River

ENVIRONMENT Agency inspectors have been studying water samples after large plumes of foam were spotted on a river. Villagers at Croft-on-Tees, near Darlington, alerted the agency on Thursday night when the foam first appeared.

Town Centre Plan to Save Hundreds of Jobs

COUNCILLORS will be asked to approve job-saving plans to move Government offices for hundreds of staffto Darlington town centre. The Department for Children, Schools and Families employs 480 workers at its base at Mowden Hall, but hopes to switch to a purposebuilt tower in the Feethams area of the town.

Darlington News Round-Up in Brief

Police to meet with public A JOINT Police and Communities Together meeting for the villages of Middleton St George and Hurworth will be held on Monday, at 6.30pm, in St George's Primary School, Middleton St George. All residents are welcome.

South Durham News Round-Up in Brief

Talking about family life PETER BARRON, editor of The Northern Echo and author of the Dad at Large book series, will talk about his life and family in St Peter's Church Hall, Byers Green, onWednesday, at 7pm. Hot beef sandwiches and hot drinks are included in the [pounds]3 admission charge.

Plan to Distribute Sandbags for Flooding Emergencies

TOW Law residents may be given sandbags to protect their homes in a flooding emergency. Town councilmembersmet officials from Northumbria Water and Durham County Council to discuss ways of protecting properties in case ofa repeat of this summer's severe storms.

Enjoy Sneaky Pint On Market Day

VISITORS to Catterick Sunday Market enjoyed a sneaky pint this weekend. Wensleydale Brewery set up a stall made from a wooden fairground hoopla, serving its Semer Water ale to shoppers.

Roadshow Promotes Activity for Over-50s

HUNDREDS of people are expected to attend a roadshow promoting active lifestyles in people aged over 50, which is being held in a market town next week. More than 30 organisations are attending engAGE, which takes place from 10am to 1pm in Bedale Hall, on Tuesday .

'Changes' Account for Number of Complaints

THE number of complaints received by a housing provider has more than doubled in recent years, it has been revealed. Broadacres Housing Association, which manages nearly 5,000 properties across North Yorkshire, recently published its annual performance review.

Committee Meeting in Public House

RESIDENTS can enjoy a drink while they discuss local concerns as a county council meeting is to be held in a pub. North Yorkshire County Council is to hold its Richmondshire area committee in the Charles Bathurst Inn.

Managing Director Takes to Catwalk for Charity

A NORTHALLERTON businessman who has beaten cancer is taking to the catwalk to raisemoney to support others recovering from the disease. Charles Barker, managing director of Barkers of Northallerton, was diagnosed with a melanoma on his spine after suffering severe back ache two years ago.

North Yorkshire News Round-Up in Brief

Singers search for new charity THE Northallerton-based Alverton Singers helped garden centre Northdale Horticulture buy a barbecue with a gift of [pounds]450, raised from their concerts held in the town hall. A presentation has taken place at the garden centre, where ten choir members joined Northdale staff. The choir has not yet chosen a charity to raise money for during the next year. Anyone interested is asked to call the secretary, on 01609-778079, before October 7.