Latest tourism figures show a major boost for Durham’s economy as the county builds on its bumper £1bn milestone achieved in 2022, with new attractions playing a key role in helping the county reach a new record. Visit County Durham, the county’s Destination Management Organisation and Durham County Council’s tourism service, has...

A bin capable of weighing food waste and encouraging recycling and composting was the winning entry in an innovation competition for young entrepreneurs. The annual County Durham Future Business Magnates competition saw Year 8 pupils from local schools apply creativity and problem-solving to a range of challenges. Organised by Business...

People in County Durham are being asked for their views on information, advice and guidance services. Durham County Council commissions several local charities to deliver these services alongside those provided by its own Welfare Rights Team. They advise on a wide range of issues including managing money and debt, accessing benefits,...

Lee Weldon’s weekly round-up from the wicket... Saturday 6th July – NYSD Division 2 Newton Aycliffe 1st XI v Stockton 2nd XI – weather was cool and cloudy Newton Aycliffe won the toss and chose to bowl first. Stockton 2nd XI 111 all out after 38.4 overs James Layfield-Carroll 6 for 40, Luke Telford 2 for 6 and Ben Howard 2 for...

Newton Aycliffe’s defeated Conservative MP has told Aycliffe Today that he’s proud to have served what he describes as “my world” for the last five years. Paul Howell says he was elected in 2019 “on a blue tide” – but now he’s going out “on a low blue tide”. He polled just 8,195 votes in the 2024 General Election for the...

Following Labour’s General Election win, this is a good time for employers to start looking closely at Labour’s plans to reform employment law. The Labour Party published a Green Paper on its plan to “Make Work Pay”, which contains its proposals for new employment rights for workers. The emphasis is on Day One rights for employees,...

The newly-elected MP for Aycliffe says he’ll work hard to “safeguard” the 700 reportedly threatened jobs at Hitachi Rail. Alan Strickland was elected as the first MP for the new constituency of Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor in the 2024 General Election. The Labour candidate won with 18,394 votes, as Conservative Paul Howell came third...

Woodham Academy is preparing to open the doors of its state-of-the-art £39m school in September. Work is underway to pack up resources and prepare for the move, allowing for a smooth transition into the new building. As many people in the town may wish to visit the current school before the demolition process gets underway in September, the...

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen's proposals to appoint Graham Hall as her new deputy have been unanimously backed by Durham Police and Crime Panel. The County Durham and Darlington PCC presented her plans to panel members at a Confirmation Hearing on Monday (July 1). In doing so, the PCC said Mr Hall would provide vital support to...

By Steven Dawson It has been another busy weeks for Aycliffe Running Club. This started on Wednesday (June 26) with the 5th race in the Darlington Trail series and the tough and hilly West Park 5k. John Surtees (18:34) finished first with Tracey Surtees (21:10) first female and Lucy Postle (23:55) third female. Also representing the...