Evening Gazette

Space Aplenty

PLENTY of open space and the freedom to move about in it that's what first attracted the owner of this week's Dream Home to the property she's called home for the past seven years. And it is easy to see why. For Rose Cottage on Flatts Lane near Normanby has acres of it - 6.5 to be precise - just stretching out over lovely countryside ready and waiting to be enjoyed. But it isn't just the open air that makes this home special.

What's New in Beautiful Blues

BRING blues into your home with a few accessories such as these small and large votives from the Star by Julien Macdonald range, available from Debenhams priced pounds 10 and pounds 20. DINE in style with this range from Matalan, dinner plates are pounds 3.50 and side plates, bowls and mugs are pounds 3 each.

Gardening

with the lantern HAVE you ever thought about what your favourite garden colours say about your personality? Celebrity plantsman Chris Collins and TV fashion expert Mark Heyes have teamed up with the Horticultural Trades Association to find out how plant colours can affect your moods, and how to match colour schemes with your personality. Some 80% of people admit their moods are positively affected when surrounded by colourful plants, according to research from PlantforLife, an HTA initiative ...

What You Can Rent in the Tees Valley

THIS three-bedroom detached is available to rent for pounds 600 a month in Whitby Crescent, Redcar. Situated with walking distance of Redcar beach and promenade, the property includes two reception rooms, study and dining kitchen. There are three bedrooms, bathroom and separate wc. Externally there are gardens to the front and side plus a garage.

Sorted! Diy

TOP TIPS FOR... fitting weatherstripping WHEN the weather's nice, insulating your home against the cold doesn't seem that important. However, fitting weatherstripping to insulate your windows and doors is an ideal outdoor summer task that will put you a step ahead of the winter chill later in the year. Weatherstripping is tape that seals the gaps between the moving parts of a window or door.

Offering a Helping Hand

KEEPMOAT Homes' shared equity scheme is offering a helping hand to house hunters. Building on the success of other initiatives such as HomeBuy Direct, Keepmoat's innovative shared equity scheme gives buyers the opportunity to own 100% of their property for just 85% of the purchase price, with no deposit to pay.

Fancy Living On the Coast?

YUILL Homes has launched a new showhome and sales centre at its St Germains Gardens development in Marske. House hunters can now take a closer look at the three-bedroom Litchfield showhome, which has accommodation across two-and-a-half levels.

Interiors

WE'RE doing more in our homes - from entertaining to exercising and using them as a home office. But we're also trying to slash our spending in the recession and adapt to changing lifestyles. A recent survey by YouGov for homeware chain HomeSense reveals 32% of us have decided against moving, and only 13% will consider it when the property market improves. So it makes sense to create a home that caters for every need whether it's a place to enjoy a DIY spa treatment, a movie, a workout or a p...

Keep Kids Busy Over Holidays ; Inbrief

Two Years of Chemo and Weekly Blood Tests ... But Ella Still has Some Fun

LITTLE Ella Parfitt refuses to let leukaemia bring her down. The six-year-old has been on chemotherapy for almost two years and attends hospital once a week for blood tests.

Groups Get in Free ; Inbrief

Time to Nominate ; Inbrief

Road Disruptions ; Inbrief

Have a Berry Nice Time ; Inbrief

Fun Day for Everyone ; Inbrief

Be Careful with Your Car Gadgets ; Inbrief

Can Do Better ; Education Plans Are Given Mixed Reception

SECONDARY heads on Teesside have given a mixed response to new Government education plans. The Government has published its final major education legislation for England before the next General Election.

Sid's Bingo Days Over ; Centenarian Remembered by Pal

A WONDERFUL, knowledgeable, bingo loving centenarian - they don't make characters like Sid any more. Those were the words of Sidney Unthank's broken-hearted friend and carer Rene Gibbons after the 100-year-old died last week.

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Get Your Head in the Game ...

HIGH School Musical fans can play a vital part in a drama group's production of the cult Disney classic. Members of Great Ayton's Crash Bang Wallop Youth theatre group have been attending weekly basketball coaching sessions to make crucial sports scenes look as authentic as possible when they perform the stage version of the popular Disney film.