Tips and advice on tracing your family tree will be available at a beginners’ family history course. Run by Durham County Record Office, the popular sessions are led by an archivist and also offer an introduction to the sources available at the record office. The course lasts for three weeks and runs on the following dates: • Thursday...

Major local employers including Hitachi Rail Europe, Circor Energy and Husqvarna are using new tailor-made apprenticeship programmes to help build their future workforces. Newton Aycliffe-based South West Durham Training (SWDT) is now delivering bespoke apprenticeship packages to accommodate the needs of businesses. SWDT says changes to the...

Two election hopefuls going head-to-head to become Newton Aycliffe’s MP have clashed over their campaign leaflets. Labour candidate, and the Sedgefield constituency’s MP of 10 years, Phil Wilson, says he’s threatening legal action after accusing his Tory rival, Dehenna Davison, of getting her facts wrong about him in campaign...

Dog owners are being advised of new rules that will come into force in County Durham at the beginning of June. Durham County Council is introducing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to encourage responsible ownership and tackle issues such as dog fouling and strays. People can find out more about the new rules through the council’s...

Chapter Homes has advised it will be investing a significant amount to boost the local economy through its local suppliers commitment by hiring North-East based businesses where possible. The firm, which is based in Durham, is building its first development in Eden Field, Newton Aycliffe. The commitment to the use of local suppliers means...

People are being advised to keep safe in warm weather as higher temperatures are set to continue across County Durham. Although last week’s sunshine seems to have disappeared for now, Public Health England has issued advice for people to follow over the coming months. Top tips to keep safe in the sun include: • Try to keep out of the...

Three Aycliffe business leaders have publicly backed Phil Wilson’s campaign to be re-elected as the town’s MP on June 8. Wilson, Labour’s Sedgefield MP for 10 years, is up against four other people to keep his seat, including Tory candidate Dehenna Davison, a 23-year-old student from Hull. Three leading personalities from Aycliffe...

A round-up of the weekend's cricket action... Saturday 27th May – NYSD Division 2 Newton Aycliffe 1st XI v Stokesley 2nd XI – weather was changeable and mild. Stokesley won the toss and chose to bowl first. Newton Aycliffe 1st XI 160 all out after 46 overs Chris Palmer 35, Tom Wickins 20 and Graham Telford 19 Stokesley 2nd XI 161...

Online flight booker Kiwi.com has revealed the frustrations of parents in the North-East being penalised for taking their children away on holiday during school term time. Research conducted by the brand reveals that 75% of parents in the North-East sided with Jon Platt, who earlier this year lost his High Court battle for the right to take his...

At the annual Raby Castle runs Isaac Boys represented Aycliffe Running Club junior section in a new 3K race and finished sixth position in 12:14. Other members of Aycliffe Running Club competed in the undulating 10K race which is a two-lap course set within the grounds of the Raby Castle Estate. First to finish for ARC was Martyn Knox in 43:27...