People thinking about adopting are being encouraged to find out more about how they can provide a loving home for a child. During National Adoption Week, which started on Monday, Durham County Council is spreading the message that many more types of people could be eligible to adopt and that a wide-range of support is provided for all adopters...

It was another busy weekend of Aycliffe Juniors footballing action took place. Younger teams are starting to establish themselves with one side playing their first game. The older sides are looking to progress their league positions. The Under 6 development team really enjoyed their first ever friendly match at Shildon. A great effort from...

Ten community organisations are celebrating a funding boost thanks to Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP). GAMP asked community focused organisations to submit proposals as part of a ‘Callout’ for projects. All project proposals had to address at least one of the key GAMP priorities for 2017; Children, Young People and...

An actor at the centre of a storyline on child sexual exploitation (CSE) has visited County Durham as part of a week of events co-ordinated by the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Chris Harper, who played child groomer Nathan in Coronation Street, spoke about his storyline and the public reaction to his role during a training session on CSE...

A former Woodham Academy student has described his debut on the West End stage – and working with a Hollywood legend – as a “dream come true”. Nathan Elwick took his bow in ‘Young Frankenstein’, written by Mel Brooks, as it opened in London this week. The 23-year-old is appearing in the musical comedy at the famous Garrick...

Newton Aycliffe bounced back from recent disappointments with two win in the last week. After last Saturday’s crucial home league win over Ryhope, the Newtonians beat Ryton 5-0 in the League Cup at Moore Lane Park on Tuesday night. Aycliffe had injuries and rested a few players. Nathan Stephenson was one of those who came in, and the Ryton...

Charges for social care costs will be brought into line with the latest Department of Health (DH) guidance if proposed changes are introduced, councillors will hear. Durham County Council’s Cabinet will be asked for approval to consult on proposed changes to the charging policy for non-residential social care services which will bring it in...

Aycliffe Club runners attended the Sedgefield Serpentine 10K trail race. The race took runners across footpaths, fields, farm tracks, trails and across the golf course. The ground was extremely muddy in places and there were many trip hazards, low hanging branches and golf buggies to be aware of. First back for Aycliffe and in 10th position...

Newton Aycliffe manufacturer Ebac has announced a climb in sales – with profits up by 250%. Ebac, the only British company to produce washing machines, dehumidifiers and water coolers in the UK, says its annual sales have climbed from £13.3m to £15.4m. The firm, founded more than 40 years ago by Brexit-backing entrepreneur John Elliott...

Parents of year 6 school students got to learn about a £2.6m renovation programme during a series of open nights at Greenfield Community College. This year’s annual open events at the school proved popular with families who were able to meet students and staff to discover what makes Greenfield a distinctive school in order to make an...