The Northern Echo

War Hero at Centre of Statue Wrangle

AN international disagreement has broken out after Canadian dignitaries drew up plans to honour a Second World War hero. Ve terans and historians have spent more than three years raisingmoney for a statue dedicated to thememory of Andrew Mynarski, the Canadian airman who died trying to save a comrade from a blazing Lancaster bomber in the skies over France in 1944.

Heavy Horse Power Is Used to Clear Woodland

A MIGHTY heavy horse is helping to clear part of a North-East woodland. Ouragan, a French Percheron, has been set to work at Pow Hill Country Park, near Edmundbyers, County Durham.

Hare Course Guilty Pleas by Tv Chef and Trainer

TELEVISION chef Clarissa Dickson-Wright and racehorse trainer Sir Mark Prescott have escaped punishment after pleading guilty to hare coursing charges. The pair received absolute discharges despite admitting attending two hare coursing events in North Yorkshire.

Family Bids Final Farewell to a Hero

Rifleman Daniel Wild died a hero, trying to help a fallen comrade in Afghanistan. Yesterday family, friends, comrades and strangers gathered to say goodbye. Dani Webb reports. . . BEFORE his death, Daniel Wild was just like any other teenager enjoying doing the job he loved.

Raf Experts to Examine War Bomber Crash Site

RAF experts are to carry out a detailed examination of the site of a Second World War air crash after the discovery of 500lb bomb. A study is being conducted today at the remote site in Ebberston, near Malton, North Yorkshire, where a Whitley bomber crashed in October 1940.

Students Flock to Top-Rated College

THOUSANDS of pupils are expected to sign up for courses at a North-East college which has been rated as one of the best in the UK. Hundreds have already enrolled on full-time courses at Darlington College, which recently received an outstanding report by Government inspectors Ofsted.

Degree for Firefighters

ONE of the region's universities has teamed up with a fire service to provide training for firefighters. Teesside University will work with County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service to provide accreditation for existing training.

Drunk in Charge of Baby Escapes Jail

A DRUNK who was caught on CCTV staggering into the middle of a road while pushing a baby's buggy has narrowly avoided a jail sentence. Camera operatives called the police when they spotted Michael Joseph Bell stumbling out of the back exit of the Queen Street shopping centre, in Darlington, on August 23.

Young Seedlings Make a Fine Show

NURSERY children have brightened up a business park by contributing to its sunflower campaign. Youngsters from Little Lingfields nursery joined businesses at Lingfield Point business park, in Darlington, to grow the flowers.

Bell-Ringing On Offer at Church Open Day

PEOPLE visiting a church will be given the chance to try bell- ringing. Guided tours of St Cuthbert's Church, in Darlington, will be available for four days later thismonth, as part of national heritage open days.

Darlington News Round-Up in Brief

Club offers double exposure DARLINGTON Camcorder Club is running two film workshops this month. The first, Taking Better Video, is on Saturday, September 19, from 9.30am to 12.30pm. The second, Editing Video and Producing DVDs, is on Saturday, September 26, from 9.30am to 12.30pm, featuring skills to edit and share files. Both workshops take place at Haughton Methodist Church hall, in Darlington, at the rear of the chapel. For more information, contact 01642861603.

Drumming Up Magic Deep in the Woods

A TEESDALE woodland came to life at the weekend as hundreds of people attended a festival. Teesdale Conservation Volunteers' Woodland Festival, in Deepdale Woods, Startforth, near Barnard Castle, lasted for three days, with Monday being a celebration of fairies.

Office and Gym Plan for Former Nightclub

A TOWN centre pub that has been shut for five months could be turned into offices and a sports centre. Durham County Council has received a planning application to redevelop the former Lennons pub and nightclub, in Bishop Auckland market place.

Maisie Steals the Heart of Agricultural Show Judges

A BORDER terrier called Maisie and her ten-year-old handler stole the hearts of judges at a show. Jessica Ross was voted the champion young handler at the annual terrier and lurcher show held in conjuction with theWeardale Agricultural Society show at St John's Chapel at the weekend.

Housing Company Rewarded

A HOUSING company has been recognised for the opportunities it gives to disabled workers. Dale and Va lley Homes, which manages homes in the Wear Va lley district, has received the Double Tick award from the Job Centre's disability advice service.

Lib Dems Gear Up for Voting Battle

LIBERAL Democrats in the Sedgefield constituency are expected to select a candidate to stand in next year's general election. Current and prospective members of the Newton Ay - cliffe branch are invited to attend a selection meeting in the town, on September 14.

Get Fit and Be Cheerful

A FITNESS class is being launched for young women. Sunnydale Leisure Centre, in Shildon, will be the venue for sessions that combine street cheer and salsa dancing.

South Durham News Round-Up in Brief

Roofwork closes pool SPENNYMOOR Leisure Centre swimming pool will be closed from Monday for about eight weeks while the barrel-vaulted roof pool is replaced and maintenance work carried out. During the closure all swimming lessons will be relocated to Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre. For details, including the new block of swimming lessons due to start in November, contact Spennymoor Leisure Centre reception, on 01388815827.

Owner in Appeal Over Airfield Plans

AN airfield owner has launched a planning appeal over a council's decision to refuse his plans to develop the site. Martin Scott, the owner of Bagby Airfield, near Thirsk, is acting despite strong local protests to his plan.

Children Are Trainee Firefighters for Day

YOUNGSTERS from Northallerton had a day to remember when they became trainee firefighters. More than 30 children, aged four to 11, attended a workshop to learn all about the work of a firefighter and what the fire service does.