Sunderland Echo
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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COURTS PLAN CONTROVERSY
Residents are opposing plans for a £1million padel complex at Offerton Grange Farm, which would include six double courts, a café, mezzanine and parking. Fifth-generation farmer Tania Coxon says the project is essential to secure the farm’s future,...
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CITY CENTRE PUB HORROR
Thomas Brand, a freed killer with 163 previous convictions, carried out a terrifying late-night raid at the William Jameson pub in Sunderland while wearing a balaclava. He demanded money, smashed a glass and threatened to stab staff before ripping out...
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Young Cats fans discover their great great grandad was an SAFC legend
Two generations of a Wearside family were fascinated to find out about an ancestor who was a true SAFC legend. Graham Low and his children Max, 14, and Jessica, 12, have spent the summer looking into the background of wing-half Harry...
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TEENAGERS ARRESTED AS PC IS INJURED
A police officer was injured yesterday after approaching a suspected stolen vehicle linked to an early-morning burglary in the Burdon area of Sunderland. Northumbria Police received the initial report at 6.45am, with the stolen car later travelling...
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MACKEM PROUD
Today marks the return of National Mackem Day. What started life as an event to toast the publication of the Mackem Dictionary has now become an annual celebration of all things Sunderland. Today’s front page of the Echo marks the occasion with a...
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ANIMAL ATTACK
A man has been jailed for 38 months after using his dog as a “weapon” during two shop thefts in Sunderland. On November 10, Brodie Logan, 20, stole stock from a vape shop and set his lurcher-type dog on a staff member, who was bitten on the hand and...
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‘THIS IS ABOUT POTENTIALLY SAVING A MAN’S LIFE’
Craig Dunn, a 35-year-old Sunderland-born dad, has been left “gobsmacked” after a complete stranger donated £11,500 of his pension savings to help fund potential life-saving treatment. Craig, who was diagnosed with medulloblastoma last year, has...
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DANGER ROAD NEEDS ACTION
Marc and Andrea Condra say they “always knew an accident was going to happen” after a car ploughed into their vehicle while they were on holiday in Turkey. Their car and a friend’s were badly damaged, with one ending up partly resting on another. The...
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Stagecoach is all aboard for SAFC charity’s family fun day
Stagecoach is supporting Sunderland AFC’s official charity the Foundation of Light with a Family Fun Day event. The six-week school holidays can be a challenge on people’s wallets as well as keeping the children entertained. Stagecoach said it is...
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Pride reviving community hub
Southwick Community Centre is being brought back to life thanks to an extraordinary show of community spirit, with local businesses and volunteers donating thousands of pounds’ worth of materials and free labour. The once-thriving hub had stood...
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‘GIFT OF LIFE’
More than 60 people in the North East died in 2025 while waiting for an organ transplant, as consent rates for donation have fallen from 69% to 57% in five years. NHS Blood and Transplant is urging people to be “One in a Million” by registering their...
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PADEL PROJECT TO SAVE FARM
A fifth-generation farmer at Offerton Grange Farm in Penshaw has submitted plans for a padel complex to secure the future of her family’s farm. With rising costs, reduced farmland and changes to Government support, Tania Coxon says that traditional...
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DEATH THREATS AND INTIMIDATION
Houghton and Sunderland South MP Bridget Phillipson has defended her decision to switch off comments on her Facebook page, saying a torrent of online abuse, trolling and fake accounts left her with little choice. Her explanation comes amid renewed...
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‘THIS IS OUR HERITAGE THIS IS OUR CULTURE’
The battle to save Sunderland’s National Glass Centre has entered a crucial new phase as campaigners have vowed “the fight goes on” - despite the landmark closing its doors to the public. Supporters gathered outside the riverside attraction yesterday...
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‘These offensive comments do not reflect our city’
Sunderland’s political leaders have united in their criticism of Reform UK after councillor Glenn Gibbins was charged over an allegedly grossly offensive social media post. Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat politicians have all questioned the...
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‘ALL HANDS ON DECK’
From plumbers and plasterers to sparkies and sweepers, a rallying call has been issued to help breathe new life into a community centre. Active Families North East are calling for help to turn Southwick Community Centre into a neutral space, ready for...
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FA Cup SAFC legend to join team on international football friendship trip
Sunderland AFC’s 1973 FA Cup winning captain is teaming up with the Fans Museum to launch the The Fans Inclusion Cup where disadvantaged adults in the city to take on a team in Essen, Germany, Sunderland’s twin city since 1949. And to help make it...
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Beatrix says organ donation is the ‘bestest’ kind of recycling
A five-year-old Wearside girl has written to wouldbe MP Count Binface to praise him for supporting the environment – because she has a ‘recycled’ heart. Courageous Beatrix Archbold told the Clacton by-election candidate, who will be taking on Reform...
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HIGH AND DRY
Sunderland’s Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign to restore the Keel Square fountains, which have been dry for years despite being intended as a colourful landmark when the square opened in 2015. Opposition councillors have accused the city...
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FOOT TORTURE FINALLY OVER
Washington teenager Ralph Seed, 18, has become one of the first people in the UK – and globally – to receive a pioneering closed-loop spinal cord implant to treat his severe Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Ralph had lived with excruciating...
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JOBS JACKPOT
Plans to convert the former TK Maxx unit at The Bridges shopping centre into a Club 3000 bingo venue have progressed with a planning application submitted. The £5million proposal, part of Club 3000’s expansion, would be the 25th site and second in...
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Projects which improve lives given boost by £12k Pride in Place funding
Three organisations which improve lives in Washington are among those to benefit from the latest grant funding as part of the national Pride in Place programme. Projects that will benefit families, young people and people affected by cancer are the...
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RETAIL PARK EDGES CLOSER
Sunderland councillors have approved plans for a £15m retail park off Silksworth Lane featuring an M&S Foodhall, Aldi and a Starbucks drive-through, promising around 150 permanent jobs and more than 270 construction roles. The scheme, backed by...
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CROSS-PARTY PRESSURE
Political parties have united to try to stop the National Glass Centre’s demolition, urging Sunderland City Council to implement an Article 4 Direction that would force the University of Sunderland to seek full planning permission if it was to...
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‘DANIEL DESERVED BETTER’
A three-day inquest found that 50-year-old Daniel Ryan, from Hendon, died in Southwick Police Station after insufficient welfare checks were carried out while he was in custody. Mr Ryan, who told officers he had Covid but showed no obvious illness...
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OUT OF STEP
All three staircases at Sunderland’s University Metro station have been closed for more than a year, forcing passengers to rely solely on ramps for platform access. Wearside Liberal Democrats have criticised Nexus for the lack of progress, noting that...
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‘I DON’T WANT ANYONE TO END UP LIKE ME’
New Silksworth Academy headteacher Emma Robins has launched a campaign with her pupils and the local community to raise awareness of skin cancer. After being diagnosed with a stage 1 melanoma in 2021, Emma had a mole and some of the surrounding skin...
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ON YOUR MARKS...
Plans have been lodged to transform Sunderland’s long-vacant Debenhams into a multi-level leisure complex run by TeamSport. The three-storey unit, empty since 2021, would house gokart tracks, bowling, an arcade and restaurants, with around 40...
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Five of the best for city’s parks in Green Flag Awards
Five Sunderland parks have been recognised as among the best in the UK after earning prestigious Green Flag Awards for 2026-27. Barnes Park, Herrington Country Park, Hetton Lyons Country Park, Mowbray Park and Roker Park all received the honour, which...
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ROAR ON THE LIONS
England fans are set for a huge night in Sunderland as a fan zone is being created for supporters to gather and watch the game on a big screen. With England aiming to reach their first World Cup final in 60 years, supporters of all ages are invited to...
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‘IT COULD HAVE BEEN A CHILD’
A dog owner has said an unmuzzled, off-leash XL Bullytype dog could attack again after her pet was injured in a city park. Manuela Brown was walking her dogs in Backhouse Park at 7.30am when the attack happened. She said: “Three men came into the...
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From miner to a major star
Peter Lawson has led an incredible life – from a mechanical fitter in the mines to playing music with Elton John and Dave Stewart. His life is filled with astonishing highlights and challenges, including a battle with cancer. The father of three and...
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EDDIE’S EFFORT BEATS RECORD
Rain, hail and brutal winds couldn’t stop 83-year-old cycling legend Eddie McGourley, from Houghton-le-Spring, conquering the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats route in just 11 days – beating the octogenarian record by three full days. He rode every...
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CARE WORKER BROKE TRUST
Kimberley Barker, 30, a senior support worker at Serlby Close care home in Washington, stole more than £5,100 from six vulnerable male residents by withdrawing money using their bank cards and PINs. She admitted six counts of theft and told the court...
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ROYAL TRAIN VANDALISED
A newly unveiled Royal Metro carriage at the North East Land Sea and Air Museum has been vandalised less than two days after going on display. Train 4020, which carried Queen Elizabeth II during the Metro’s 1981 opening and was later used by King...
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FLY THE FLAG
Sunderland’ CIty Council leader, Chris Eynon, says the authority is looking into holding a St George’s Day festival for April 23 next year. He argues England’s national day has “never been properly celebrated” and believes Sunderland is “missing a...
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‘I CAN’T THANK PEOPLE ENOUGH’
Sunderland-born Craig Dunn was first diagnosed with medulloblastoma – a rare and aggressive brain tumour – in May 2025 after experiencing severe headaches. After undergoing emergency surgery to remove the mass and rounds of chemotherapy and...
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HOMELESS HUB NEEDS A NEW HOME
Basis Sunderland, a drop-in service supporting almost all of the city’s rough sleepers, has been forced to leave its base at Park Road Church after a funding shortfall left it unable to keep the lease. The charity, part of Oasis Community Housing,...
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HOMES BID FOR INFIRMARY SITE
new £50million Sunderland Specialist Eye Hospital. Lambert Smith Hampton has asked Sunderland City Council for a screening opinion on proposals for around 62 homes on the existing site, arguing an environmental impact assessment is unnecessary....
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Beth’s own experience helping others suffering from hair loss
A Sunderland woman living with alopecia after battling against cancer has set up her own wig business to help people suffering from hair loss. Beth Easterbrook Smith, 29, launched Pigment Hair earlier this month, using her own personal experience of...
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JACKPOT HIT
Dave Alexander is celebrating after winning £750,000 in Hits Radio’s Make Me A Winner competition. He initially thought the call was a prank, having entered every week for years. He was having a second-hand sofa delivered by his brother when he...
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LIVING IN FEAR
Two sisters were forced to miss their mother’s funeral following a series of threats from their sibling. Newcastle Crown Court heard Nicola Ratcliffe pinned one sister against a fence, made repeated threats to kill them, and sent alarming calls and...
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AIMING HIGH
Venerable Bede’s new headteacher, Jordan Bedford, has set out ambitious plans to make the school one of the best in the country for Progress 8 and to meet expected Ofsted standards within two years. The academy, previously judged inadequate in several...
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PADEL POWER
A planning application has been submitted for a new padel centre at Rainton Bridge Business Park on the outskirts of Sunderland. Malik Group Holdings hopes to build six courts - four covered by dome structures and two open-air - alongside changing...
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Fire crews faced extreme conditions as they tackled blaze in city centre
Dramatic photos captured a blaze which raged for hours in Sunderland on Wednesday. Large plumes of smoke could be seen over Sunniside while firefighters tackled the blaze, with surrounding roads also blocked off. Crews from Tyne and Wear Fire &...
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From the Most Affordable to the Best Available!
Use your PIP or DLA allowance to get a brand new scooter or power chair from only £19.97pw Finance available for up to 3 years Scooters & Power chairs in stock for immediate delivery Large selection of Rise & Recliner chairs and beds in stock from...
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‘GET CHECKED’
Sunderland AFC legend Gary Bennett MBE is urging men to talk openly about prostate cancer and to get checked if they have any concerns. Speaking ahead of the Fans Museum’s annual awareness walk, Bennett — who made more than 350 appearances for the...
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Richard puts aside health problems to pay tribute to grandad lost in war
A proud Sunderland man has told how emotions ran high as he paid a poignant tribute to his hero grandad. Richard Wilson travelled to France to pay homage to his grandfather, James Wilson, who was lost aboard HMT Lancastria on June 17, 1940. He laid a...
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‘FATALITY WAITING TO HAPPEN’
A community is pleading for new safety measures to be put in place to ease the “nightmare” of pulling out on to a busy road. Over the years, residents have faced numerous close calls as they leave the estate and have contacted local authorities...
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‘BRING BACK FREE PARKING’
Council bosses are being urged to restore free parking in all city centre car parks after 3pm in a bid to help traders. Sunderland’s Liberal Democrats group has tabled a motion for the first ordinary full council meeting of 2026-27 to look at a raft...
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Parents can swap kids’ tablets for the big screen
Of course, it’s to be for children. But you can be pretty sure that there will be plenty of adults – some accompanied by their offspring, others kidfree – when hits cinema screens this weekend. The toys are back in town, but in a week when the...
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ABOVE AND BEYOND
Staff at a Sunderland care home have been recognised for going above and beyond the call of duty after having to deal with the aftermath of the devastation caused when a car ploughed into their building. A gaping hole was left in the side of...
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