Stories for 8 March 2000

Oxfordshire Business

E-commerce deal signed

INTERNET firm Freecom. net has signed a major deal with computer firm Compaq to boost distribution of its software, writes David Duffy.  more...

Oxfordshire News

Nightmare of children in marital battlefield

A heartbroken Oxfordshire dad today made a desperate plea to his ex-wife: "Please bring our son home," writes Katherine MacAlister.  more...

The pain of not knowing

It's not knowing what's going on that is gnawing into Richard Peverell's heart. His beloved three-and-a-half year-old son, Thomas, is six thousand miles away in South Africa. And he doesn't know if he will ever see him again.  more...

When life is skin deep

Robin Saunders may run a DIY shop but he takes extra care not to hit his thumb with a hammer. He and his daughter Tricia, of Eynsham, both suffer from the genetic skin disease Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), writes Zahra Borno.  more...

Blonde ambition

In just eight short weeks, Lucy Aitkens has projected herself from unknown Oxford undergraduate to Media Babe in Waiting, writes George Frew.  more...

Boxes of hope sent to needy

The crates and cardboard boxes that were being loaded on to lorries resembled a routine delivery which would normally be found on an industrial estate, writes Paul Warner.  more...

Schoolboy in road tragedy

Schoolboy Daniel Sullivan died in hospital after stepping off a school bus and being hit by a passing car, writes Madeleine Pennell.  more...

Funds add to school's joy

A village primary school is celebrating again just a week after receiving a glowing inspection report, writes Paul Warner.  more...

The LeM- n roars for SEAT

SEAT's 50th birthday year gathers pace on April 10 when the Spanish company launches its new nine-model LeM- n range, priced from £10,995 for the 1.4S through to £17,995 for the luxuriously-equipped 180bhp 20VT Cupra.  more...

Silence from this Lamb? No way

Singer Ben Lamb has been named the youngest performer to tour the country with a top youth theatre, writes Nigel Hanson.  more...

Go ahead for new Lotus

LOTUS is putting the stunning M250 coupé into series production with a price tag of about £40,000. Production is expected to start in two years time and the car will be a big brother to the Elise. Demand from dealers, following its launch as a concept vehicle at the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show, convinced the Norfolk company it must put the car into full production.  more...

RAC attacks plan to confuse drivers

A proposal to introduce intentionally confusing road signs has been described as "barmy" by a top motoring organisation, writes Victoria Owen.  more...

Powerful newcomer to Freelander range

THE Freelander - currently the best selling 4x4 in Europe - now has a powerful V6 addition, which was revealed for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show.  more...

'Help our hungry children'

Hungry pupils could soon be tucking into breakfast at school, writes Victoria Owen.  more...

Discovery recalled for cornering check

LAND Rover is recalling 11,000 Discovery 2000 model year vehicles made between July and December last year for replacement of a pipe in the Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) system.  more...

Proton GTi hits ground running

MALAYSIAN car-maker Proton's GTi has hit the ground running - with more than 100 models snapped up by customers eager to experience the thrills of Lotus handling and the 'extreme' styling. Rated the best hot hatch in its price bracket by Top Gear, the GTi is priced at £14,449.  more...

Oxfordshire Sport

The trapdoor opens for United

THE relegation trapdoor is today as wide open as it has been all season for Oxford United after last night's abject derby performance against Reading, writes Jon Murray.  more...

Lyne to quit as Witney boss

WITNEY Town manager Andy Lyne will resign from his post at the end of this season.  more...