Visit County Durham’s long-serving chair has announced he will retire next month after 14 years of dedicated service. Ivor Stolliday was appointed chair of the Visit County Durham Ltd board in 2009 and has proven a dedicated and inspirational ambassador for the county. As Durham’s destination management organisation (DMO) and Durham...

County Durham Community Foundation’s Poverty Hurts appeal has raised close to £1m which will support community-focussed organisations fighting the causes and consequences of poverty in the North-East. Thanks to the kind donations and support of the people and businesses of the North-East, the foundation is now distributing an outstanding...

By Berni Borsberry As most of our boys teams having completed their season, the spotlight is veery much on our girls. After the tournament success last weekend. the u13 Angels started the week, knowing that they had the chance of the league and cup double. Stockton Town 1 v 2 U13 Angels On Thursday the girls travelled to Stockton...

Places to eat in County Durham have signed up to an innovative new scheme which will see carbon ratings included on their menus. Durham County Council has launched its second Food for the Planet campaign which is aimed at encouraging both eating establishments and their customers to think more about the carbon emissions associated with their...

Thanks to an ambitious new project, children from across Newton Aycliffe are developing a passion for science. It is hoped that the new initiative, led by Woodham Academy, will improve science education across the town and inspire a new generation of scientists. The project, which will benefit more than 600 children, has been made possible...

Newton Aycliffe FC’s jubilant players were recognised for their historic promotion-winning season as plans get under way for the new campaign. It was confirmed by the FA this week that Aycliffe will start the 2023-24 season in the Northern Premier League Division One East after winning the Ebac Northern League first division. The...

Parts of Aycliffe Business Park are a little cleaner thanks to the work of Aycliffe Running Club. The club decided to try out an initiative called “plogging” – a recreational activity originating in Sweden which incorporates jogging/walking and picking up litter. Club members took part in the initiative which is part of the 'Big...

Local authorities in the North-East have secured funding to help tackle gambling-related harm in the region. The Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) for the North-East has successfully bid for £750,000 from the Gambling Commission’s Regulatory Settlements Fund to develop a regional three-year pilot programme dedicated to...

Lee Weldon’s weekly round-up from the wicket… Saturday 13th May – NYSD Division 2 Newton Aycliffe 1st XI v Marton 2nd XI – weather was mild and sunny. Newton Aycliffe won the toss and chose to bowl first. Marton 2nd XI 130 all out after 41.2 overs Luke Telford 4 for 49, Matty Greaves 3 for 9 and Leo Mercy 2 for 11 Newton...

What started out as a couple of people attending the befriending group, quickly grew to over 20 people joining weekly. The Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP)’s Befriending Services offers an in-person befriending group. Ran by volunteer, Jean Griffiths, Jean credits the group to making a difference and offering a friendly space. She...