Politicians, local groups and sports clubs have led the tributes to Newton Aycliffe community legend Syd Howarth, who sadly passed away on Monday. The Newton News confirmed Syd’s passing, eight days after his 81st birthday, surrounded by his family at Darlington Memorial Hospital, after a year-long battle with Motor Neurone Disease...

Community champion Carol Briggs has scooped the overall winner in the category of ‘Outstanding Contribution to Charity’ at the prestigious North East Charity Awards. The competition was strong with some amazing volunteers and trustees who have shown the greatest commitment and achievement for their chosen charity and Carol was overwhelmed...

A councillor is considering a possible no confidence motion against three senior councillors after the council leader blocked an inquiry into the Santa Tours debacle. Arun Chandran says he’s “mulling over” the possibility of the motion against council leader Bob Fleming (above, centre), deputy leader Malcolm Iveson (above, left) and Jed...

With a blast of wintery weather stopping games that were planned for Saturday, it was just the Aycliffe Juniors TJFA League teams in action on Sunday last weekend. The Under 7’s had a tough trip to Seaton Carew and despite another hatrick from man of the match Jack C and a brace from Kai they couldn’t get the win. The Under 8’s...

This year’s EMCON event has been rated as a huge success, with close to one thousand people passing through the doors. And now exhibitors and visitors alike – including Newton Aycliffe Workwear Supplies (pictured above) – are following up on leads and new contacts made on the day. The showcase event, which has been running since 2008,...

A Newton Aycliffe councillor who goes by a Facebook alias is being called into question after apparently flouting social media policies. Left-wing Labour councillor Kathy Beetham admits to using the name ‘Lilith Mooney’ on Facebook. But the use of her ‘Pagan’ name, when commenting on council issues on social media, has drawn...

Campaigners say they’re “ecstatic” to see Great Aycliffe Town Council has bowed to public pressure and halted plans to scrap the annual Santa Tours around the town. Bumbling councillors sitting on an events sub-committee had proposed to replace the tours element of the Christmas Eve tradition, meaning Santa would no longer tour the...

By Donna Campbell This week was again one of varied races for our runners. Starting with parkruns on Saturday morning, three of our members achieved PB’s. At Shildon, Mark Bainbridge ran in 20.53 and Daniel Connell in 27.18 whilst in Darlington CarrieAnn ran this in 38.08. Also on Saturday Julie Nisbet took on the challenge of the...

Woodham Academy has been well placed in the Department for Education latest league tables, showing school performance in England. For the second consecutive year, Woodham Academy is high up in all recognised statistics, including the benchmark measure of Progress 8, highlighted by its position as the best school locally and within the top 30%...

Electricians have just two months to get up to speed with the latest requirements for all new and amended electrical installations. In July, the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the British Standards Institution released the 18th Edition of the IET Wiring Regulations - the essential publication for all professionals working in the...