The new boss of one of the region’s oldest training providers says it is celebrating a recruitment growth as it approaches its 50th birthday. South West Durham Training (SWDT) will mark its fifth decade on Aycliffe Business Park with a special celebration event on Friday. And new general manager Jason Howe says the milestone comes at a...

The 12 local authorities representing the North East have written to the Secretary of State for Local Government, Sajid Javid, requesting a fairer deal on local government funding. The authorities have long argued that they have been disproportionately affected by the Government’s funding reductions since 2010 – a position supported by...

A fast-growing business which supports schools with a range of professional services has expanded to new premises on Aycliffe Business Park. Avec Partnership has relocated from Darlington to Aycliffe after acquiring one of the previously vacant units at Parson’s Court, off Welbury Way. Launched by directors Sarah Monk and Julie Sowerby...

Residents in County Durham are being reminded of changes to refuse and recycling collections over the Christmas period. Bins will be emptied as normal up to and including Friday, December 22. However, all collections during the week beginning Monday, December 25, will be a day later than normal. This means that anyone whose rubbish or...

Residents of Newton Aycliffe can now access a vital service right in the heart of the town after the NEFirst credit union moved its service point into Newtown Aycliffe Library. NEFirst Credit Union is a not-for-profit organisation that offers community focussed banking services such as savings and loans, and has been in Newton Aycliffe for the...

A £4m programme will help small businesses in County Durham thrive in a digital world by gaining a competitive edge and maximising their growth. Digital Drive County Durham, the first of its kind in the county, will also help companies become more resilient and improve their productivity by providing funding and practical support to help them...

A charity fundraising night to help celebrate the memory of a Newton Aycliffe grandmother raised £900. Sheila Thompson was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in April this year with no possibility of cure, and passed away in October. Her children – Peter Thompson and Lisa Hodgson, with the help of family friend Laura Hobson – organised an...

A County Durham plastics firm is hoping to increase turnover by tapping into a growing reusable packaging market which is already worth an estimated £50m. Plastic Mouldings Northern (PMN) has invested in a 14,000 sq ft storage facility which now houses more than 6,000 pallets and plastic boxes. Sales director Freddy Bourdais says it’s a...

Newton Aycliffe 15, Sunderland RFC 23 By Ben Carpenter Merritt Newton Aycliffe’s first XV hosted Sunderland, in what was seen by many as a must-win to stop the decline Aycliffe had found themselves on of late. The game started well, with both teams vying for possession, the first points of the game came when Aycliffe strayed offside in...

The County Durham Health and Wellbeing Board (CDHWB) has agreed to adopt the Motor Neurone Disease Charter, in order to send a message of support to those living with the disease. Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. It attacks the nerves that control movement so muscles...