Sunderland Echo
Ha’way, Billy take a bow
I laughed, I cried, I stomped my feet in solidarity – Billy is back! Fitting that we should arrive at Sunderland Empire to the rich, rousing tune of Easington Colliery Band, which, like Billy himself, is a North East cultural icon born from the fierce...
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‘TERRIFIED TO REOPEN’
The son of a couple whose pizza shop was targeted in an alleged armed robbery attempt says his parents have been left “terrified” by the ordeal. Hassan Baghcheband had to be taken to hospital with slash wounds following the incident at Pizza Castle...
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GUILTY AS CHARGED
A suspended Reform UK councillor has been found guilty of sending a grossly offensive message after writing on Facebook that Nigerians in Sunderland should be melted down to fill in potholes. Glenn Gibbins, 66, was accused by prosecutors of...
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‘NO CHILD SHOULD GO WITHOUT’
Big-hearted charity heroes have stepped in to save the day after thieves stole gifts meant for less fortunate children in Sunderland this Christmas. The fantastic Bea’s 500 Crew cause came up with two trolley loads of goodies after hearing of the...
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A sea of poppies as Wearside prepares to remember the fallen
Members of the public came together to create 30,000 poppies in red, white, purple and black, 16,386 of which have been suspended from the ceiling inside Durham Market Hall. Durham Markets Company wanted to honour all Durham Light Infantry (DLI)...
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TERROR RAID
A shopkeeper has praised the kindness of his neighbours after they rallied around him and his family following an attempted robbery at his Shiney Row convenience store. Jayanthan David, 51, was left shaken after the incident at his shop in Mill...
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Cats looking to progress against Zagreb
Special supplement looking ahead to tonight’s Europa League tie
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Brobbey signs longterm deal
Sunderland have confirmed that Brian Brobbey has signed a new contract, keeping the Netherlands international at the Stadium of Light until 2031. The 24-year-old striker has scored 10 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions since joining the...
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Villagers remember their past with new memorial
More jobs are on the way in Sunderland thanks to a car dealer which will open a new store next week. Evans Halshaw is introducing the Omoda and Jaecoo brands to Wearside. It plans to open its new store on November 9 at Wessington Way with eight new...
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FIRE TOOK EVERYTHING
Friends and neighbours are rallying round a Sunderland couple who lost almost everything they own when a devastating fire swept through their home. Alan and Liz Hogan escaped with just their winter coats, mobile phones and two dogs after flames spread...
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HELP DELIVER FESTIVE MAGIC
The Sunderland Echo is calling on readers to help bring Christmas magic to thousands of disadvantaged youngsters as our annual Christmas Toy Appeal gets under way. Now in its 13th year, the appeal, run with Wearside charity Hope 4 Kidz, is asking...
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Playing promise sealed Fofana for Cats
Malick Fofana has revealed how Régis Le Bris' promise of playing time and Sunderland's determination to secure his signature convinced him to complete his dramatic £31million deadline-day move to the Stadium of Light. The Belgian winger joined the...
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Halloween house helps hospice
A fundraiser has continued her tradition of putting on a delightfully ghoulish display in her garden for Halloween. Jan Prater hopes everyone who enjoys it will show their appreciation by making a donation to Sunderland charity St Benedict's...
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GLASS HOPE SHATTERED
Campaigners have been dealt a significant blow in their efforts to save Sunderland’s National Glass Centre. Historic England has recommended the landmark building should not receive listed status and that a Certificate of Immunity from listing be...
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THE MUSIC MAN
A music legend who brought big names to Sunderland has been honoured near the former site of some of his legendary shows. Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Free, Rod Stewart and David Bowie were among those to perform in the city in the 1960s and...
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City poppy appeal begins
A North East college played host to a BBC chat show earlier this month, bringing an hour of debate to County Durham. East Durham College’s Peterlee Campus became the home of BBC’s Question Time as presenter Fiona Bruce brought debate to the...
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FREE PARKING DEAL RETURNS
Motorists using Sunderland city centre surface car parks and on-street parking spaces will receive an extra hour free of charge under a new council initiative aimed at boosting footfall and supporting businesses. From Monday, drivers who purchase a...
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CITY STANDS WITH JUDE
Sunderland is being urged to come together this weekend in a huge show of support for a 15-yearold schoolboy battling an exceptionally rare and aggressive cancer. Jude Hazard is thousands of miles from home, undergoing specialist treatment at St Jude...
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Fans flying high again for tonight’s leg of Euro tour
Send your photos of supporting the Lads in the Europa League to chris.cordner@ iconicmediagroup. co.uk and tell us about your experience of following the Mackems in Europe.
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Glenda in line for national award
“I love helping put the North East on the map,” says a Sunderland author who has been nominated for a national award. Glenda Young’s latest First World Warnovel, Celebrations at the Toffee Factory, has been shortlisted for the Listening Books...
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‘I am alive to tell my story’
Alex Swinhoe is sharing his story ahead of Armistice Day to support Blesma, The Limbless Veterans. Alex lost his leg at 19 after an American Apache helicopter mistakenly fired on his patrol base in Afghanistan, an incident that also killed his friend...
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‘A PRISONER IN MY OWN HOME’
Peter Wise, 39, from Thorney Close, says his life is at risk because his Gentoo home is no longer suitable for his severe disabilities. Peter, who has lost both legs due to complications from Behcet’s disease and diabetes, is largely bedbound and...
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‘I OWE SCHOOL EVERYTHING’
George Clarke returned to Oxclose Community Academy to help mark the school’s 50th anniversary, telling guests he “owes this school everything”. Now a well-known architect and TV presenter, he reflected on first walking through its doors 41 years ago...
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AMBER’S LEGACY BRINGS CHANGE
A Sunderland family’s determination to ensure their much-loved daughter’s death was not in vain has earned national recognition. Amber Rose Cliff, from Ashbrooke, died from cervical cancer aged just 25 in January 2017. She had repeatedly requested...
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Away the lads
Sunderland’s European odyssey begins today as thousands of football fans descend on Portugal for the club’s first competitive match overseas for more than half a century. Just under 3,800 supporters are expected to watch the Europa League clash with...
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Raise a glass to pub’s 125th anniversary
You’ve probably walked past The Dun Cow hundreds, if not thousands, of times, stopped off for a pint on a match day or before a show at the Empire, cosied up in the snug, fire roaring, on a cold winter’s day and just enjoyed this most proper of...
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CITY ON THE UP
Business leaders have described Sunderland as a “city on the up” after revealing impressive economic figures for the past year. Factors include Sunderland football club’s return to the Premier League, the One Big Summer music extravaganza and the...
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So proud!
Sunderland now has another Greggs outlet. The North-East bakery chain’s new shop opened on Friday at the new industrial estate Eastgate Point, off Commercial Road, opposite the Raich Carter Centre, in Hendon. Seating is available and it is open daily...
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Going… Going…
The removal work has followed the windmill falling into disrepair, and metal safety barriers being put around it about a year ago to protect members of the public walking in the area.
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Step inside new state-of-art arena
A once empty former garage site is now home to a state-of-the-art arena already gearing up to host its first international event. The finishing touches are being made to British Arena, in the shadow of the Stadium of Light, ahead of a big gaming...
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Thumbs up for school after latest inspection
Hill View Infant Academy headteacher Tammy Crompton said teachers wept tears of joy and that the whole community at the Sunderland school is “delighted” with its latest Ofsted report. Inspectors deemed attendance and behaviour, personal development...
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SUPER BRAD’S PAD OPENS
A £1million holiday home in memory of Sunderland superfan Bradley Lowery has officially opened. Super Brad’s Pad will give children with serious illnesses and disabilities the chance to make precious memories with their families. It was opened on...
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TEARS OF PRIDE
Seven years after surviving a life-threatening condition, Kayleigh Llewellyn has graduated from Sunderland College, marking a powerful milestone since receiving a heart transplant. Her parents, Sonia Llewellyn and Shaun Sidney, watched proudly as she...
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GREEN LIGHT FOR GROWTH
Two major developments promising jobs, investment and a major boost to Sunderland’s economy have been given the green light. A £5m Club 3000 bingo hall in the former TK Maxx unit at The Bridges will create around 40 jobs and breathe new life into a...
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Fund for family of teen who was ‘full of light’
Thousands of pounds were raised in just a matter of hours to support the family of a Sunderland teenager who died after a car plunged into the River Wear. Jackson Duke, 17, was one of three teenagers who lost their lives after a car entered the water...
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Firm favourites return for a packed programme at annual Feast event
Houghton Feast gets under way tonight as it brings a packed programme of family fun to the streets of the town. This year's festival will run through until Sunday, October 11. Every year the muchloved 10-day event brings together residents, families,...
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‘UNITED IN SYMPATHY’
Sunderland was united in sympathy today for the families of three teenagers who lost their lives after a car entered the River Wear. Students and residents spoke of their shock as condolences came from across the city and wider region, including...
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‘Our lives have been shattered’
A Seaham family has paid tribute to 26-year-old Brandon Grimes, described as their “beloved, beautiful, and cherished boy”, after he was reportedly killed in a hit-and-run collision while on holiday in Orlando. Brandon had failed to return to his...
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‘I CAN’T PUT IT INTO WORDS’
In a tribute to his daughter who lives with a rare condition, a Sunderland dad took on the highest mountain in England 13 times in a row to raise vital funds for the charity which supports those with the illness. Josh Lay, 36, is now taking a...
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‘IT’S DRIVING US POTTY’
Calls have been made for a “pothole emergency” to be declared in Sunderland after the amount of council compensation handed to motorists rocketed. New figures reveal Sunderland City Council paid out a total of £39,822.87p to drivers of damaged...
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‘ANGRY AND FRUSTRATED’
Owners of a property which provides supported accommodation for the homeless say they’re “angry and frustrated” after having to close their doors. Oceander Community Interest Company (CIC) provided supported living for up to 19 people in...
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ON THE WRONG TRACK
Worried residents are urging rail bosses to abandon extension plans amid fears they will ‘cut their community in two’. Nexus is undertaking a public consultation over £900m proposals to extend the existing Metro track at South Hylton towards...
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RETAILERS GET OFF LIGHTLY
Sunderland City Council issued only written warnings to 22 outlets caught selling vapes to children over a three-year period, according to Freedom of Information figures. Trading standards carried out 78 test purchases, with every failed test...
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MAN DIES AFTER FALL FROM CAR
A man has died following an incident in Station car park in Holmeside on Sunday. Police were called just after 6am after a 32-year-old man fell from a Silver Ford Torneo. He was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, but despite medical...
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SEEING RED
A charity boss, football legend and local MPs have criticised Reform UK-led Sunderland City Council’s decision to withdraw support for an anti-racism day. North-East-based Show Racism The Red Card usually enlists the support of the local authority on...
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CARE OVERLOAD
Sunderland has declared an “adult social care and mental health emergency” following stark warnings about high suicide rates, rising self-harm among young people and mounting pressure on care services. Councillors heard the city faces deep mental...
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FIGHTING BACK
Civic, business and education leaders across Sunderland have come together in a bid to help the spiralling number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). Seventeen-and-a-half per cent of residents aged between 16-24...
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Award proves there are ‘naan’ better takeaways
Sunderland’s ‘King of Spices’ has lived up to its royal name by bringing home the Takeaway of the Year crown. Nawaab King of Spices is a well-known spot in Ettrick Grove, where it’s been dishing up curries for a decade – now it’s been named best in...
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KICKS MODEL TO PROTECT JOBS
Nissan has confirmed a £170million investment to build the new Kicks hybrid SUV at its Sunderland plant, securing the future of its 6,000-strong workforce. Executives including Massimiliano Messina praised Sunderland’s skill, productivity and...
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READY TO GO
Sunderland is ‘Ready To Go’ as European football returns to the city for the first time in more than half a century. Patient fans will pack the Stadium of Light for tonight’s Europa League clash with Dutch visitors AZ. The match is the first of eight...
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MAKING MEMORIES
An 11-year-old from Washington is facing incurable alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma after two-and-a-half years of treatment. With chemotherapy options running out, Evie Owens’ family is focusing on helping her fulfil a wish list of experiences she hopes to...
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IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER
Father Marc Lyden-Smith will ask Pope Leo to say a prayer for the Black Cats as they begin their Europa League campaign. He will present the Pope with a customised SAFC shirt bearing ‘Pope Leo’ and the number 14, echoing a similar gesture he made to...
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LIGHT RETURNS FOR DENVAH
Wearside toddler Denvah Finlay has received a major boost in her battle against Bilateral Retinoblastoma, a rare and aggressive eye cancer. The one-year-old from Hetton has regained 100% vision in her left eye after responding brilliantly to...
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THE TRUEMAN SHOW
Harry Trueman, a former councillor and mayor, has been nominated to become an Honorary Alderman after 31 years of service. The 77-year-old, who held senior roles in housing, education and the environment, said the honour makes him “very proud” and...
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CRUMB OF COMFORT
A burglar with scores of convictions stopped to eat a piece of cake during a break-in at a vulnerable woman’s home. Serial criminal Kelly Steel let herself into the assisted living accommodation in Sunderland earlier this year and disturbed the...
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HOMELESS UNIT UNDER THREAT
Bosses behind supported accommodation for the homeless fear their residents will have nowhere to go if the property is forced to close. They add that 15 employees will also lose their jobs unless the dispute with Sunderland City Council is...
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£11M DRUGS SMUGGLERS JAILED
A businessman with an unblemished record is behind bars after using his haulage firm as a “cover” for an £11m cocaine smuggling plot. A court heard Sunderland man Graham Welsh must have expected high rewards if he was “willing to put his legitimate...
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‘HORRIFIC ABUSE OF WOMEN’
A serial domestic abuser who fractured a former partner’s spine and pelvis with his van has been put behind bars. Dominic Phillips, 40, subjected two women to physical and mental abuse during separate relationships. In one attack, Phillips drove his...
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Raffle Winner
Our lucNy winner pictureG is of Washington, receiving her prize from Terry Batten (Director at Mobility Care 6olutions Ltd) accompanieG by Jo Cooper (CEO oI BacN on the Map) anG Jamie Pell (Operations Manager BacN on the Map) Terry Batten presenting...
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PLEA TO FANS AFTER 1973 MEDAL THEFT
Football fans nationwide have been urged to help find a stolen FA Cup winning-medal from Sunderland’s memorable 1973 triumph. Non-executive club director Leo Pearlman, the man behind screen documentary Sunderland Til I Die, bought the medal five years...
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SKY’S THE LIMIT
Sunderland fans hoping to see the Black Cats make their long-awaited return to European football face eye-watering flight prices – with some fares to Milan soaring to more than 13 times their normal cost. Thousands of supporters are expected to travel...
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NEXT STOP FOR ETRO
The first detailed plans for Washington’s £900m Metro extension have been unveiled – showing exactly where the new line will run through the town. Nexus has mapped out the proposed route, the locations of three new stations and released...
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GOING UP IN THE WORLD
Plans to transform a prominent building by adding extra storeys to it could see dozens of new homes created in Sunderland city centre. The plans, from Nova Co-Living, aim to redevelop and restore Arngrove House, on the corner of Frederick Street and...
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APOLOGY OVER FALSE CLAIMS
The Sunderland Conservatives have issued a public apology after making false allegations about Reform UK councillor David Barker in an election leaflet. The leaflet, circulated during this year’s local elections, implied drug use and physical abuse by...
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SUNDERLAND V FULHAM
With Sunderland AFC’s first home match of the season taking place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, supporters travelling to the Stadium of Light are advised to plan their journeys in advance. The city centre will be particularly busy due to a...
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ROAD RAGE
Council chiefs have vowed there will be no repeat of the “anger and disruption” facing motorists following the closure of a city centre road across the upcoming busy bank holiday weekend. Key city centre roads are closed to protect music lovers at the...
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END OF AN ERA
An emotional shop owner has said a tearful farewell to his customers after decades of trading. Kevin Barlow, who ran the family business with his wife Lesley, has locked up Barlows fruit and veg shop in Sea Road, Fulwell, for the last time. Barlows...
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‘I WANTED TO BE MY GRANDADDY’S VOICE’
A Sunderland woman has celebrated her late grandad by raising more than £5,000 in his memory. Now, Olivia Watson is planning another fundraiser next year in tribute to grandad Bill Brown. Bill died aged 75 in August last year after living with...
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‘I lied’ – and an innocent man was jailed
An innocent man spent more than a month behind bars after a woman falsely claimed he had threatened her with a knife. Emma Hook reported being confronted by the man twice and told police he had been armed with a green-handled zombie knife. As a...
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‘IT’S JUST FANTASTIC’
Jude Hazard’s family say they are overwhelmed with gratitude as donations surge towards the £75,000 needed to fund life-saving cancer treatment abroad. The 15-year-old from Silksworth is battling an exceptionally rare and aggressive vascular cancer,...
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CASE FOR THE DEFENCE
Sunderland has been shortlisted for a potential defence-focused enterprise zone that could create thousands of jobs across five North East sites, according to a new Adam Smith Institute proposal. The plan, backed by council leader Chris Eynon, centres...
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GRADES GLORY
Pupils have been praised for their achievements following the publication of this year’s GCSE results. Thousands of Year 11 students across Sunderland and the surrounding area learned yesterday morning how they had performed in their summer...
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‘THE FIGHT GOES ON’
Sunderland City Council’s Reform UK-led administration will spend £25,000 on independent investigations to assess whether the National Glass Centre can be protected from demolition through an Article 4 direction. Campaigners, who opposed the...
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HARVEST HORROR
Tania Coxon, a fifth-generation Sunderland farmer, has spoken out after a huge fire destroyed around £8,000 worth of straw at Offerton Grange Farm. She was finishing the final day of combining when a neighbour sent her a video showing part of her...
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