Residents across County Durham are being urged to be on their guard against fraudsters trying to benefit from a national council tax rebate scheme. Durham County Council understands that callers, claiming to be from the authority, have asked residents for their bank details in order to process the £150 rebate. The council will not ask for...

A renowned food scientist has discovered a new vegetable in Newton Aycliffe which he claims could revolutionise the food industry. The much-celebrated Italian farmer and scholar Guiseppe van Nistelrooy claims to have discovered a world-first plant in the Aycliffe wilderness. Floral Poi – said to be part of the Polynesian Poi or Popoi...

By Paul Dalton Thirty members started their weekend with a parkrun this week, with the Club being represented at parkrun events at Ford, Hackworth, Hartlepool, Riverside, Sedgefield, Trelai Park, Town Moor and Windy Nook. At Sedgefield parkrun, Martin Turnbull started the weekend with a Personal Best (PB) for the event, crossing the line in...

Durham County Council has secured £10m in funding to help housing associations make major energy efficiency improvements to their properties. The local authority has been given money from the government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) to award to County Durham housing associations to carry out energy efficiency retrofit...

A group of students at Woodham Academy held their second bake-sale in as many months recently as part of their continuing efforts to help finance an Eco Academy within the school. The event raised an impressive £154, the proceeds being divided between the Eco Academy and its current charity, Rhinoceros conservation. Despite only being...

Electric vehicles, their many benefits and the importance of introducing more charging points were the focus of a special showcase event in County Durham. Rev Up the North – Electric Vehicle Charging in the North took place at Durham Town Hall and provided an opportunity for people and businesses interested in switching to an electric vehicle...

By Paul Blythe A round up of this week’s football from Newton Aycliffe Junior Section… Under 10’s Blacks – Played Shincliffe, Aycliffe started well, but unfortunately lost a little momentum as the game went on. Aycliffe kept battling and scored two goals through Harry. MOTM was Rhys for his energy and assists on goal. Under 10’s...

Greenfield Arts host a number of groups and organisations in their creative spaces, with their crafts developing over time. Musical group EverGreen have been regulars at Greenfield Arts for over three years, creating their own style and brand of music while improving their skills. Guided by musician and songwriter John Melvin, group members...

A competition for enterprising young minds is challenging pupils from County Durham secondary schools to turn their problem-solving skills into a profitable business. Future Business Magnates, now in its 17th year, will be online for the first time and will see teams of year 8 students work together with local businesses to create, develop and...

Councillors are being asked to approve a £20m rebuild of Greenfield Community College which would enhance standards of education for students. Durham County Council’s cabinet will next week be recommended to agree to the redevelopment of the college’s Newton Aycliffe site. Councillors will also be asked to approve the permanent closure...