Pupils at schools across County Durham and Darlington are set to feel the heat in a new competition just launched. The aim of the Dragons’ Den-style contest is to find an innovative way of raising awareness of the risks of under-age drinking. It is being run under the banner of Operation Aries, an on-going multi-agency campaign...

Eight teams from across County Durham competed for the second Royal Academy of Engineering Durham VEX Robotics Challenge at Woodham Academy. The schools taking part were Greenfield, St Leonards, Tanfield School, Park View, The Hermitage Academy, Staindrop, Ferryhill Business College and Woodham Academy. Each school presented a team of 6...

Lumiere, the UK’s largest outdoor light festival, is returning to Durham later this year for the fourth time. Created by Artichoke, one of the UK’s leading arts producers, Lumiere is commissioned by Durham County Council and receives additional support from Arts Council England and a raft of sponsors. This year's event will take...

The North East Combined Authority (NECA) will consider a significant programme of devolution of power, funding and responsibilities to the North East at a meeting tonight. This marks a major step forward in negotiations with government to promote economic prosperity in the North East and ensure decisions about the North East’s economic...

By Martin Walker Charities and voluntary groups in Newton Aycliffe could lose out to the tune of £20,000 a year if The Cubby community cafe can't be relocated this year. Durham County Council issued notice to The Cubby after it sold the land to developers - and the popular cafe must find new premises by October of this year. Along...

By Ryan Burton The Neighbourhood Plan set up by Great Aycliffe Town Council last year is about enter its second phase. Angela Corner, Community Neighbourhood Engagement Officer, has called on people to get involved as the plan goes into its next stage. Neighbourhood Plans have created a platform for members of the community to get...

By Martin Walker Honest John has raised literally tens of thousands of pounds for local charities and good causes in Newton Aycliffe. The sum total currently stands at £102,000 in the last seven years. A total of £21,850 was donated to 34 Aycliffe organisations in 2014, ranging from roller skating groups and youth football clubs to...

By Ryan Burton Newton Aycliffe FC manager Peter Dixon has called on his side to continue with their recent run of results and climb up the league. His side face a tricky week, starting with an away game to Bedlington Terriers followed by back-to-back games against highflying Marske United in the league and cup. Newton Aycliffe are in...

Aycliffe residents are being reminded there is a bike-marking event in the town this weekend. The Aycliffe Neighbourhood Police Team is holding the event 10am-1pm on Sunday (18th January) at the former BHP solicitors unit in the town centre. This is a free service, with PCSO Richard Scott and PC Thompson in attendance.  ...

Newton Aycliffe residents are reminded to sign up to the garden waste scheme this month to ensure they receive all collections this year. For an annual fee of £20, householders will receive fortnightly collections from their property between spring and autumn. A three-year subscription is also available at the discounted rate of...