FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - Whilst a telegraphic messenger named William R Smith, Mulberry Street, Darlington, was cycling over the Stone Bridge, Darlington, at about noon on Saturday he was thrown off his machine right in front of an approaching horse and cart.

He had not time to get clear, and the cart, belonging to Messrs Ness, of Black Banks, passed over his body.

The horse ambulance was immediately sent for, but, on its arrival, it was found that Smith was very little the worse for his adventure. Two or three minutes later he got on to his machine and rode away.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - History repeated itself when a disastrous fire was caused by lightning at a farm in Stokesley. In August 1911 the late John Metcalfe had the whole of his hay and corn crop destroyed in a fire. Now his elder son, another John, who succeeded his parents on the farm, experienced a similar disaster. On the afternoon of the fire Mr Metcalfe took his wife to Stokesley. While in the town they saw the fire engine leave, and as they returned home, they saw, to their dismay, smoke and flames emerging from the farm buildings.

Their son Neil aged nine, and other children had a remarkable escape.

They were playing in the farmyard when lightning struck the support of a six bay Dutch barn only a few feet away.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - A start is expected to be made in December on the Darlington east-west bypass following the Government's confirmation of the fivemile single-lane route between Blands Corner near Blackwell and the A66 near Great Burdon. The route is that which was the subject of a public inquiry in June. The presiding inspector said the bypass would be good value for money and he was influenced in his recommendation by the facts that no property would have to be demolished, and that the inevitable effect on farming had been mitigated as far as possible.

Advance earthworks should start in three month's time for the main work, which includes two bridges over the River Skerne, to start in late Spring next year.

From this newspaper 10 years ago. - Forget the developers - keep Yarm for the people. That was the message from a public meeting on Stockton Council's ideas for the future of the historic town centre. But residents were warned that without clear-cut policies, the town would be at the mercy of firms wanting new developments. There was standing room only at the community centre in High Church Wynd on Tuesday as residents flocked to discuss a consultation paper prepared by the borough. There were calls for the emphasis to be on sustainability, not development.