By Martin Walker Hitachi Rail Europe has won a new deal to manufacture at least 29 new trains which will run between London and the South West, subject to government approval. The Japanese firm today announced it had been named by FirstGroup as preferred supplier for the supply of 29 trains for the new First Great Western...

EXCLUSIVE By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe's biggest employer has further increased staff numbers to accommodate the launch of new business with its automotive customers. Gestamp Tallent has employed 150 new people in the last six months, increasing its workforce to 1,322, while long service statistics continue to impress. The...

Durham Constabulary has announced it is due to complete the rollout of body worn video cameras to all frontline police officers, Special Constables and Police Community Support Officers, by the end of March. Assistant Chief Officer Gary Ridley said: “This is a big step forward for the force and the community. “We are the first force...

A Woodham Academy teacher and a pupil were both winners at the Northern Echo School Awards, held at the Xcel Centre. Year 11 student Emma Sandford was awarded the Inspirational Pupil award, while assistant head teacher Sarah McGinnety was recognised for her innovative work in careers education. Emma is described by the school as an...

By Ryan Burton Ambition is not a new concept to Lox of Love and its founder, Victoria Cartwright. The company was launched in December 2012, originally as a mobile hair extension specialist in the Aycliffe area. Over two years has passed and Victoria has seen her company expand into something that bit more special. Looking back to when...

The Bishop of Durham officially opened a new station for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service. Firefighters, officers and guests gathered at Durham Community Fire Station in Sniperley to watch The Rt Revd Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham, cut the ribbon and talked about the building’s importance in the local area. During...

Budding engineers were building bridges at a Newton Aycliffe training centre as part of a nationwide celebration of apprenticeships. More than 200 students from seven schools across the county have been enjoying the appliance of science in hands-on workshops with local employers at South West Durham Training. The year 9 and 10 pupils...

A Newton Aycliffe-based grounds maintenance and landscape company is celebrating its 50th year in business with a significant contract win. Family-run Beaumont Grounds Maintenance has secured a contract with Mitie PFI to complete work on three local schools, after celebrating its 50th birthday this March. The growing business will be...

By Martin Walker A Newton Aycliffe steel firm has completed a steelwork and cladding project for a distribution company to transform an industrial part of Teesside with a £6.5m super-green factory. Raisco, based on Aycliffe Business Park, completed a five-week project to fabricate and erect 800 tonnes of steel, from receipt of order to...

Encourage your little one to get more active this Easter as a series of sporty fun activities for young people take place. Four fantastic days of fun are taking place in the south of the county with football, cricket futsal and tennis on offer. Tuesday, 31 March, Junior Indoor Football Tournament, Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre, 10am...