Two brave women who were abused as girls have been praised for helping bring their rapist to justice. William Shepherd is beginning a 20-year prison sentence after a jury found him guilty of two counts of rape, 11 counts of indecent assault and nine counts of indecency with a child. During the six-day trial last month, jurors heard how...

The 47th issue of Aycliffe Business, featuring Finley Structures managing director Julie Raistrick as our cover star, is available to read online. Click here. ...

By Gary Beacom The weekly round-up from Newton Aycliffe FC's juniors section... Aycliffe U8s Blacks hosted an excellent Whinney Banks side which proved to be a very tough game. Despite the quality of the opposition Aycliffe never gave up and battled their way throughout the match. Aycliffe were rewarded for their hard work and...

People across County Durham are being invited to have their say on the future of the area at a series of virtual events where residents will also be thanked for their good work during the pandemic. Durham County Council is hosting the Better for Everyone sessions through its 14 Area Action Partnerships (AAP) to gather views on a wide range of...

More than £104m has been paid to more than 9,500 businesses across County Durham to help them deal with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Durham County Council has now processed all of the government’s Business Support Grants and the Local Discretionary Grants, to ease the financial burden on businesses, with both schemes now...

Four thieves who broke into hospitals across the North during lockdown to steal gas canisters have been jailed for a total of 16 years. The Norfolk-based gang targeted hospitals in County Durham, Stockport and Manchester between March 21 and 23. Pictured above (left to right) Wayne John Grady, 41, of no fixed address; Oliver Zak Henry...

Newton Aycliffe-based Crafter’s Companion is celebrating 15 years in business. To commemorate the milestone, the craft business has planned a series of celebrations and giveaways on its digital platform, Crafter’s TV, in addition to its social channels and UK, EU and US websites. From October 20, the company is offering exclusive...

Greenfield Arts will welcome back wellbeing practitioner Leigh Johnson as part of a phased return at Greenfield Arts. Leigh will be leading two brand new workshops as part of our autumn programme and will be on hand to guide and support you in these mind and body sessions. The sessions will run on Wednesday, October 21, and Wednesday,...

Two County Durham charities have received a boost of almost £14,500 thanks to the fundraising efforts of the civic head of Durham County Council. The funds, raised by councillor Katie Corrigan, in her roles as Durham Council chairman and mayor of Durham City, will be split between Age UK County Durham, which supports older people, and the...

Newton Aycliffe 2, Billingham Synthonia 0 By Joe Ramage Newton Aycliffe booked their spot in the Buildbase FA Vase First Round seeing off Billingham Synthonia at the Beaumont Landscapes Stadium on Saturday. Two early second half goals were enough to ensure Aycliffe progressed to the First Round for the first time in three...