By Martin Walker A groundbreaking project aimed at getting drug users into recovery and away from crime is being rolled out across the Durham Constabulary area. After a successful pilot scheme in Peterlee and Bishop Auckland police stations, the ‘Drug Test on Arrest’ policy has now been extended to cover all of the force’s custody...

A group of super-fit Newtonians will compete in a specialist fitness competition in the region this weekend. Eight members of Aycliffe specialist gym CrossFit All Out have qualified to take part in the North-East's Thorium Throwdown event at the Peterlee Pavillion on Sunday (5th October). The competition was open to all CrossFit boxes...

By Martin Walker The managing director of Durham County Council's business arm says Aycliffe Business Park is now an "economic powerhouse". Business Durham boss Dr Simon Goon admits Aycliffe has "hidden its light under a bushel" in the past - but now insists it's time to put the spotlight back on the town. Dr Goon was speaking at the...

Newton Aycliffe police officers are hoping to set up a new base in the town's shopping centre. As revealed by Neighbourhood Police Team Sergeant Mark Edwards in his blog on Aycliffe Today, it's hoped two officers will be based from one of the units in the town centre. "There’s quite a bit of work ongoing at the moment to increase our...

Aldi has vowed to maintain the supermarket price war as it announced a 65% increase in its UK profits. The German discounter - which opened a store in Newton Aycliffe nearly two years ago - said it would respond to price cuts from competitors with further discounts and claimed that attempts by rivals to match its budget approach had only...

Police are appealing for information after a bike was stolen. The red and black Honda motorcycle was stolen from an address in Guthrum Place at around 8.30-8.40pm on Tuesday 23rd September. "Fortunately, the motorcycle was found by officers the following morning in the Burn near to Brafferton Close," said a police statement. If anyone...

By Martin Walker The man heading up the proposed University Technical College for Newton Aycliffe says they have to "break the mould" to attract young people into engineering. Sunderland University, with support from Gestamp Tallent and Hitachi Rail Europe, won a bid to launch an advanced engineering and manufacturing centre of...

Newton Aycliffe slipped to fifth-bottom in the Ebac Northern League first division with their eighth defeat of the season at home to Whitley Bay at the weekend. A single goal, scored by Paul Chow, was enough for Bay to take all three points back to North Tyneside. It also represented two consecutive defeats within the space of three days...

By Martin Walker The boss of the Xcel Centre has dedicated a business award to its "fantastic" staff. The Xcel was named Employer of the Year at Aycliffe Business Park's recent Make Your Mark event, beating off competition from More Time Online and Tyne Tees Packaging. Managing director Kerina Clark said: "We're delighted to win the...

Police are appealing for information after a young man was assaulted in the town. The incident happened between 2.30pm and 3.30pm on Saturday (27th September) at the boating lake area of Aycliffe to the rear of McColls shop. The victim has received injuries as a result of the assault, while the offender - who is unknown to the victim -...