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Touch and go

The dispute began when Brian Turnbull applied to Tynedale Council to allow his new Ford Transit to carry eight people.

But the council only granted a licence for seven. The reason for refusing an eighth passenger was that the Transit's handbrake and gearstick are on the driver's left, increasing the chances of the driver touching a passenger's leg.

Hexham Courant (Alex Fotheringham)

Lorryloads of fun

For most who visit a Travelodge, it is a fleeting pleasure. But for David and Jean Davidson, it is home. They arrived in 1985, and enjoyed it so much that they never left.

"There is always something going on outside our window," said Mr Davidson, 79, in the couple's room beside the A1.

"Our room looks out to the car park and a busy slip road where lorries pass by throughout the night. We have everything we need here - and the staff are like family now. We have only to walk across the car park for meals."

Daily Mail (David Harling)

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