People preparing to claim Universal Credit for the first time are being offered a helping hand – and free internet access. Durham County Council has appointed a team of digital support assistants to help people set up and access their online applications. The support staff are based at the council’s Customer Access Points, where members...

Newton Aycliffe manufacturer Ebac has become the new shirt sponsor for Darlington Football Club. The company, which has supported grass-roots sport for decades, has agreed a two-season sponsorship, with an option for a third season. It has also helped to fund a prestigious pre-season friendly against Jong PSV, the reserve team for Dutch...

Newton Aycliffe-based manufacturer Husqvarna has flown the extra mile for its chosen charity, The Great North Air Ambulance Service, and this week presented the charity with a cheque for £3,964.42, the total value of the group’s support. Husqvarna’s HR director Anne Marie Gardener and manufacturing director Caraline Robinson were joined at...

Durham is set to shine on the world stage again, with a call to deliver the most ambitious ever Lumiere light festival in 2019, featuring a selection of some favourites from the past decade of festivals. Durham County Council’s Cabinet will be asked next week to re-commission Artichoke to deliver large-scale events in both 2019 and 2021, with...

In a landmark day for the UK rail sector two international giants – which employ over 5,000 people in Britain – have confirmed they intend to submit a joint £2.75 billion bid to design, build, deliver a fleet of bespoke state-of-the-art high speed trains for HS2. The proposed partnership, building upon recent high-speed success in Italy,...

Families faced with wasps, fleas, rats or any other pest problems can now call on speedier pest control services from Durham County Council. The authority has introduced same day appointments to more quickly rid homes of irritating insects, troublesome rodents and other uninvited animal guests. Cllr Brian Stephens, the council’s Cabinet...

Disposing of household waste in County Durham is now easier than ever following the introduction of electronic permits. Residents visiting a Durham County Council household waste recycling centre (HWRC) with a van, pickup, minibus or towing a trailer, and those bringing hazardous materials, need a waste permit. As of this week, people can...

Woodham Academy students are raising funds for a once-in-a-lifetime volunteering trip to Thailand. Following a rigorous application process, 14 Woodham Academy students have been selected to take part in the school’s first Thailand Experience. The new initiative will see the Key Stage 4 students volunteer in an elephant sanctuary, visit...

A region-wide group tasked with raising awareness of a national anti-terrorism initiative has met for the first time. The North East Prevent Forum, which includes elected members and officers from the region’s county and borough councils, came together at County Hall, Durham. Set up with support from the Home Office and the Local...

Newton Aycliffe-based Crafter’s Companion has appointed a new head of retail after experiencing a 12% increase in UK sales. Helen Hollings joins the multi-million-pound business, headquartered in Newton Aycliffe, from Joules clothing and will be responsible for introducing commercial retail practices plus improved workshop programmes across...