Dinner nannies, cleaners and lolly-pop people could be earning more than the national minimum wage next year under changes being discussed. Proposals for a Durham Living Wage would mean the lowest-paid workers at Durham County Council - such as lunchtime supervisors, caretakers, cleaners and school crossing patrols - would receive at least...

A Newton Aycliffe school has bagged a load of free gardening gear after a teacher's chance discussion. Literacy worker Mr Heaven set up Woodham Academy's Wildlife Club in September in the hope of encouraging students at the school to become involved in conservation projects. But he had been struggling to collect enough tools and...

As part of this year’s Alcohol Awareness Week, Durham Constabulary is working with Balance, the North-East Alcohol Office, to encourage women to ‘Think Twice’ about how much they drink. The force is promoting the week among its staff and has laid on a series of events to provide help and education for anyone concerned about their...

By Martin Walker A construction and development specialist firm which is on target to hit £30m turnover and create 20 jobs after opening new premises on Aycliffe Business Park. Yorkshire-based Southdale is planning for growth in its North-East business after relocating from Faverdale in Darlington to larger premises at The HUB Workspace...

Witton Victoria 2, Aycliffe Sports Club 10 By Paul Eales Newton Aycliffe Sports Club bounced back from a penalty shoot-out defeat to hammer bottom club Witton Victoria 10-2, their largest margin win in the league so far this season. An early scare in the first ten minutes, which saw Victoria hit the bar was enough to wake up the...

Aycliffe Today writer Zoe Skerrett continues her weekly review of the TV talent contest... Both Mel B and Cheryl began this week each with one act left, Louis had two and Simon still had a full house of four. But would be next to lose one? The theme of this week was Big Band – something I’m not the biggest fan of so I wasn’t sure...

By Martin Walker A once thriving industrial factory is back on the up after being stood derelict for six years. The former Presswork Metals factory, along Durham Way South on Aycliffe Business Park, has been closed since 2008. Now plans are in place to convert the building into a new leisure facility, with rock climbing being the main...

Saturday pub footy team FC Turbinia have sailed to the top of the Crook and District League after a rip-roaring start to the new season. Despite losing their first game, the Turbinia have gone on to win seven games in a row and go top by four clear points. After finishing in the bottom half of the table last season, the team has come a...

Police are appealing for information after a handbag was snatched in Aycliffe nightspot DL5. The ladies clutch handbag, which has jewels on its front, was stolen from the pub some time last Saturday evening or Sunday morning while the public house was open for business. The bag contained a mobile phone and personal documents. If...

Colour your Life free creative and learning courses are now underway at the Pioneering Care Centre in Newton Aycliffe. PCP use professional, experienced tutors who deliver artistic and informal learning activities whilst providing opportunities for friendship in a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment. Beat the Winter Blues started...