Students across County Durham have won praise for their GCSE performance in the face of major changes to the exams. The majority of GCSE courses are now giving pupils a 1-9 grade with a level 4 being deemed as a ‘pass’ which is similar to the old ‘C’ grade and level 5 as a ‘good pass.’ County Durham students got their results...

Business confidence plummeted across the North East in August, according to new data. Confidence was down 14 points to 20% in the latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking. The region’s firms reported lower confidence in their business prospects (27%) and lower economic optimism (12%), which together gave an overall...

A Teesside University academic who has long warned about the dangers of energy drinks has welcomed the proposal to ban the sale of them to children. The Government has launched a public consultation on its plans to make it illegal to sell energy drinks to anybody under the age of 18. Dr Amelia Lake, a Reader in Public Health in Teesside...

The Government needs to reform drugs policy as deaths from substance misuse continue to rise, says Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner Ron Hogg. Speaking in advance of International Overdose Awareness Day, Ron pointed to an increase in deaths due to drug misuse: the highest mortality rate was seen in the North East, with 83.2 deaths per 1...

By Donna Campbell After what was a relatively quiet week last week the runners of ARC were back out in force this past week. The racing began midweek on Wednesday August 22 with two trail races taking place. The first was at Baydale Beck, Darlington (below), and was part of the Darlington Trail Series that a number of our members have...

Time is running out to secure your spot at the North East’s most exhilarating obstacle course. On Sunday September 30, Muddy Mayhem, organised by Durham County Council, is back at Hardwick Park for its fifth year. The challenging 10k race is now sold out and the 5k is not far behind with only afternoon slots available. Anyone who wishes...

By Paul Eales Aycliffe Sports Club continued their good start to the season with a draw against Gainford Cross Keys, which was played inside Moore Lane Park. The large pitch was a leveller for both sides and it took until the 30th minute for the deadlock to be broken, when Gainford centre forward Alan Haycock broke through with a suspicion...

Information events addressing the potential impact of Brexit on people in the North East will take place this autumn. As Brexit approaches, three information events have been organised to give up to date advice to residents and allow them to ask questions. The free events are arranged by the Europe Direct Service, managed by Durham County...

Avec Partnership director Sarah Monk answers our 20 questions over a cuppa… 1: What do you do? A: Co-founder and director at Avec Partnership, a company specialising in supporting schools and academies in areas such as leadership, conversion to academy status, HR, finance, H&S, and governance. 2: Who have you worked for in the...

It was a mixed weekend for Newton Aycliffe’s first team. Here’s Lee Weldon’s weekly round-up… Saturday 25th August – NYSD Division 2 Redcar 1st XI v Newton Aycliffe 1st XI – weather was mild and sunny. Newton Aycliffe won the toss and chose to bowl first. Redcar 1st XI 222 for 8 after 50 overs Patrick Howe 3 for 32, James...