Durham County Council has appointed a special advisor to tackle the issues of homophobia and transphobia in schools. Elly Barnes is the founder and Chief Executive of Educate and Celebrate, recognised by OFSTED as providing “best practice” in delivering training to teachers throughout the country. The Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and...

Match Preview – Wednesday 24th September 2014 NEWCASTLE BENFIELD vs NEWTON AYCLIFFE Sam Smith’s Park. 7.30pm. By Paul McGeary Newton Aycliffe are once again on their travels as they go to Newcastle Benfield hoping to build on Saturday’s victory over Billingham Synthonia. Sam Smith’s Park has never been a happy hunting...

One of Newton Aycliffe's leading businesswomen is staging an evening of glitz and glamour to raise money for a charity she set up after a personal tragedy. Pamela Petty, Managing Director of Aycliffe Busness Park-based manufacturer Ebac, started the Olivia Mae Foundation in memory of her daughter, who died aged seven weeks following a brave...

Police are appealing for information after damage was caused to a public multi-gym. The damage happened some time between Sunday (21st September) and Monday, at the multi-gym in the playground near to Scott Place and Kestrel Court. If with information is asked to call the local police on 101, or message them on Facebook.  ...

By Zoe Skerrett Two local businesses have joined together to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Northern League. Newly-formed Backscratch Theatre has been asked to by the league to create a celebratory series of shows, aptly named Hewin' Goals. Backscratch have enlisted the help of Sarah Carlton, from Aycliffe design agency...

A £650,000 footpath to link Newton Aycliffe and Shildon has officially been opened. Cyclists, pedestrians, families with pushchairs and children lined up to celebrate the official opening of the Locomotion Way. The three-metre wide path is two miles long and links the railway past and the future. The tarmacked path comes full circle...

A Macmillan Coffee Morning is being held at Neville Parade Community Hall on Saturday. The annual national fundraising event is billed as the world's biggest coffee morning, with events held on Friday and Saturday across the country. Local fundraiser Michelle Dodds is hoping to beat last year's total of £305 with this year's event at...

By Martin Walker New marketing agency thrive picked up the Heart of the Community award at the Make Your Mark event on Aycliffe Business Park. The award - the last of the night - was designed to celebrate excellence in corporate, social and ethical activity. It sought to "identify organisations which best exemplify the social and...

Newton Aycliffe Neighbourhood Policing team are conducting a bike marking event in the town this weekend. The latest crime prevention initiative is being held this Saturday (27th September) from 10am-1pm at Cycleways, Neville Parade. It's a great opportunity for cyclists to get their bike marked for free. "It's quick, easy and only...

Tesco has suspended four executives, including its UK managing director, after the supermarket overstated its half-year profit guidance by £250m. It has launched an investigation, while the supermarket chain - which has a store in Newton Aycliffe - says it is now working to establish the impact of the issue on its full-year...