A firm of County Durham engineers has stripped hours from its manufacturing times and is planning to venture into new markets, thanks to an elite team of experts. Bignall Group is saving hundreds of manhours, investing in new machinery and already planning the second phase of its project working with a team of specialists from the Sustainable...

Residents can now have their say on a number of key documents which will affect new housing developments in County Durham. The County Durham Plan, which was adopted in October 2020, sets out Durham County Council’s vision for housing, jobs and the environment until 2035, as well as the transport, schools and healthcare to support it. It...

Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club are providing all of their players and officials with branded water bottles in an attempt to stop single use water bottles being used at games and training. The idea came to chairman Ian Palmer while he was watching a documentary about England Ladies Cricket Team, who have put a similar policy in place. After...

Hundreds of businesses from across the North-East have backed County Durham’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2025. Almost £500,000 in sponsorship has also been pledged towards the Durham 2025 campaign, while other businesses have volunteered their skills and time to help develop and raise awareness of the bid. One business that has gone the...

Wellbeing boxes containing items to support vulnerable victims and witnesses when attending a police station have been introduced by Durham Constabulary. The boxes have been introduced by the force’s Autism Association to help support victims and witnesses who are neurodiverse when they find themselves in the unfamiliar surroundings of a...

Police scrutiny watchdogs have commended the performance of Durham Constabulary and Cleveland Police after reviewing 110 cases resolved by out of court disposals. The Cleveland and Durham Out of Court Scrutiny Panel was one of the first panels of its kind in the UK when it was set up in 2013 to improve transparency and accountability to the...

The founder of one of Newton Aycliffe’s biggest companies says business awards events play a key role in driving the region’s economy. Ebac founding chairman John Elliott MBE is keen to see local firms succeed, which is the driving force behind him supporting Aycliffe Business Park’s Make Your Mark awards. His firm is one of several...

Lee Weldon's weekly round-up from the wicket... Saturday 23rd April – NYSD Division 2 Newton Aycliffe 1st XI v Great Ayton 2nd XI – weather was dry but with a cold wind. Great Ayton won the toss and chose to bowl first. Newton Aycliffe 1st XI 179 all out after 48 overs Adam Gittins 56, Dan Craggs 38 and Tom Dearden 30 Great Ayton...

The shortlists have been revealed for the returning Make Your Mark awards after more than 50 entries were received for the eagerly awaited event. The 2022 Make Your Mark awards, in association with Husqvarna, are being organised by Aycliffe Business Park Community (ABPC), with the glamorous awards ceremony to be held at the stunning Redworth...

Newcastle Benfield 1, Newton Aycliffe 2 By Andy McFarlane Newton Aycliffe ended their Ebac Northern League Division One campaign bringing all three points back to County Durham after their first ever victory at Sam Smith's Park. A fortnight after Benfield knocked Aycliffe out of the League Cup following a penalty shoot out, it was points...