Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has welcomed a new report calling for urgent action to address inequalities in the way police forces are funded. In his annual assessment of policing in England and Wales, His Majesty's chief inspector of constabulary Andy Cooke described the current police funding formula as ‘outdated' and...

Lee Weldon’s weekly round-up from the wicket… Saturday 20th July – NYSD Division 2 Newton Aycliffe 1st XI v Hartlepool 2nd XI – weather was sunny and warm. Hartlepool won the toss and chose to bowl first. Newton Aycliffe 1st XI 118 all out after 47 overs James Layfield-Carroll 41 and Leo Stout 10 not out Hartlepool 2nd XI 122...

A national publication promoting the Tees region to the UK and beyond was launched with a high-profile event at Wynyard Hall on Thursday. Resolution Media and Publishing – co-owned by Aycliffe Business editor Martin Walker – have published the fourth annual issue of This Is Tees Valley. The magazine is produced on Teesside but...

Woodham Academy’s football teams have had another competitive year of school fixtures. The school currently has teams representing every year group for both boys and girls and our Football Academy sessions are very well attended. The standout team of the season has been Year 10, who have won the Bishop Auckland Schools FA League title,...

Officers from Durham Constabulary have been carrying out drink and drug drive checks across the county during the tournament, which ran from June 14 to July 14. More than 800 checks were carried out at various locations, with 114 drivers being arrested for drink and drug driving over the 30 days. Of these, 54 were arrested for drink driving,...

A leading agricultural expert has warned farmers they could face costly claims, fines and prosecutions if temporary workers employed during the busy harvesting season are inadequately trained and insured. Rupert Wailes-Fairbairn, of rural insurance broker Lycetts, explained that North-East farmers need to be mindful of the risks associated with...

By Steven Dawson Although the last week has been impacted by a cancellation, it has still been another busy period for Aycliffe Running Club. On Wednesday, July 3, two members took part in the South Shields Monthly Mile, with Dave Stothard (6:42) and Ian Stothard (10:41) both representing the club. On Wednesday, July 10, six members...

The Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) is calling for applications from organisations that want to offer a safe space and activities for local people to meet and be supported. Over £877,000 has been donated to local organisations wanting to create a better environment for local people since the scheme began in 2020. Kelly Spence, mental...

The North-East’s incredible icons, exciting adventures and distinctive food and drink have been showcased in the US as part of a campaign in partnership with national tourism agency VisitBritain, aimed at growing inbound visits to the region. Destination management organisation Visit County Durham, Durham County Council’s tourism service,...

Following confirmation that more prisoners will be subject to early release to ease prison overcrowding, PCC Joy Allen is calling for better resettlement packages to deter reoffending. The PCC is clear that without appropriate levels of support, both the prisoner and the justice system are being set up to fail. "Far too many prisoners are...