Evening Chronicle

Making a Great North Record! ; World-Famous Race Attracts Staggering Numbers

RECORD numbers will take to the tarmac for this year's Great North Run. The road-race, now in its 29th year, has attracted a whopping 54,000 competitors - 2,000 more than last year.

Making a Splash

YOUNGSTERS are being given the chance to improve their swimming skills. Schoolchildren over five can take part in a series of Swimskools organised by South Tyneside Council.

Engines Steam in for Gala Weekend

A FAMOUS pair of steam locomotives which inspired the creator of Thomas the Tank Engine are to visit the North East for the first time. The unique duo Alfred and Judy will star in what is billed as the largest steam event on Tyneside.

Airport Boss Aiming High ; New Operations Director Sets Out His Ambitious Plans

THIS is the high-flyer who has just landed a top job at the region's biggest airport. Will Dougherty has jetted in as Newcastle International's new operations director, having previously worked for BAA.

Victim Found Dead On Bed

A MAN was found dead on his bed after taking a heroin substitute. Kevin Ilderton, 41, moved into Byker Bridge House, Wilfred Street, Byker, Newcastle, just two days before he was found in his room.

Getting a Kick Out of Boxing!

TITLE success has kicked in in the ring for boxer John Mills. The 26-year-old from Sunniside defeated Steve Falter to claim the vacant British cruiserweight crown - but had to do it the hard way.

Centurions' Squad Rules Ok!

NEWCASTLE Centurions defeated neighbours Durham Saints 163-35 in the Northern Aussie Rules Grand Final. In doing so, the Tynesiders became the first club in the UK to win back-to-back Premierships after defeating Middlesbrough Hawks in last year's decider.

Whitley Perform Quite N-Icely

WHITLEY Tomahawks finished a creditable fourth in the Sheffield Scimitars Academy Under-16 Tournament. The Tomahawks began the competition with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Basingstoke. New signing Daniel Spedding then bagged a brace and Ben Richards one goal in a 3-1 win over Sheffield Greyhounds.

Young Athletes End Season On a High

LOCAL athletes were in good form as they brought the curtain down on their track season by representing the North Eastern Counties in the Northern Athletics Inter-Counties Championships at Robin Park, Wigan. The team consisted of under-15 and under-17 teams, and while all did well, it was the under-15 boys squad who were celebrating after winning the team trophy and pushing the strong Yorkshire and Lancashire squads into the minor positions.

Central Are Off to Another Fine Start ; Northern Alliance Premier Division Round-Up

WALKER Central have claimed two successive Premier Division titles and after five games in this campaign they're leading the field again, boasting the only unbeaten record in the top flight. Michael Jeffels' side kicked off their week's schedule at Monkchester with a 5-0 Wednesday night mauling of Murton when their goals were equally shared by Steve Forster, Liam Mulligan, Ryan Monaghan, Dormand and Stephen Armstrong.

Wallsend Put in a Four-Star Display ; Durham County Lomax Training Services Youth League

WALLSEND Boys Club enjoyed a 4-1 victory at Leam Rangers when they scored three goals in the second period. James Fenwick struck for the home team and Scott Bamburgh was on target for Wallsend during the opening period, but it was Wallsend who had the better of the second-half exchanges.

North Wade In

NORTHUMBERLAND Football Association have appointed Tom Wade as their new Youth Team Manager with immediate effect. Tom will be taking over from John Kiddie who had to step down for personal reasons.

Victory Is Seventh Heaven for Crofter's Lodge ; Tyneside Amateur League

BLAKELAW Crofters Lodge entertained Blyth Spartans A in Division One and battered them with onetouch football, winning 7-0. Lee Brady ran the show for Blakelaw in centre midfield, Micky Armstrong was outstanding scoring two, Lee Garwood bagged a hat-trick and Arron Chalmers and Chris Hutchison were also on target. Red Star Benwell had a good result against Wardley, with a 7-1 win.

Title Race Is Not so Wide Open As Duo Set Hot Pace ; Alliance Div Two

AMBLE and Wideopen & District have become the early pace-setters in the Second Division, both with 100% records so far. Amble, however, were rather fortunate to end the unbeaten run of hosts Wallsend Town.

A First Class Start As New Boys Amble Into Top Spot ; Alliance Div One

AFTER gaining promotion last term Amble United are taking the First Division by storm. Heading the table, the Seasiders have banged in 22 goals in their five games so far and have kept clean sheets in the last four.

Little's Very Large Slice of Gb Action

JUDO queen Louise Little takes to the floor for her country this autumn - not once but twice! The 19-year-old from Gosforth is part of the Great Britain squad for the European Junior Championships in Armenia from September 10- 13.

Deaths

ARNOTT (Gateshead). Windy Nook. Suddenly in hospital on 28th August 2009, aged 60 years, Tom, beloved husband to Nora, much loved dad of Tracy, Steven and Phillip, dear father in law to Richie, Lisa and Christine, loving and devoted grandad to Katie, Rebecca, Beth, Emily and Lauren, dearly loved son of Mabel and the late Thomas, dearest brother to Kathleen and brother in law of Bill, also a very dear uncle to Debbie and her daughter Stephanie. Friends please meet for service at Saltwell Crema...

Acknowledgements

CHARLTON (Bedlington). The family of the late Jean, wish to express their sincere thanks to all relatives, friends and neighbours for the kindness and sympathy shown to them during their recent bereavement. Also for the cards, letters of condolence, floral tributes and donations received. Special thanks to Ann Armstrong for the friendship she showed to Jean till the end. Thanks to Majors Peter and Karen Clark of the Bedlington Salvation Army Corps for a comforting service and to Linda, Lesley...

You're Collared! ; Police Follow a Lead After Burglar Leaves Dog Behind

POLICE have got this furry little fella nabbed. In a bizarre twist on the usual cat burglar, one Gateshead crook decided to take his pet dog on a late night raid at a primary school.

Walker Spreads the Word

A KEEN walker has completed a 300-mile challenge. Tyneside man Ged Lynn set off from St Paul's Church in Jarrow more than three weeks ago on his march to Guildford Cathedral in Surrey. The local historian was retracing the route taken by the Jarrow Marchers to promote a bid to turn the Jarrow site and St Peter's Church in Monkwearmouth, Sunderland into a World Heritage Site.