By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe FC have appointed a former university director as their new general manager. Dan Lewis, who spent seven years as deputy director of sport at Durham University before leaving to set up his own business last year, is now heading up Newton Aycliffe’s off-field affairs. The 34-year-old, who is currently...

An energy firm plans to consult locals on its preferred lay-out for a controversial 24-turbine wind farm. E.ON is proposing to build two clusters of seven turbines and one of 17 more than a mile apart east of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. The scheme, known as The Isles, was original drawn up by E.ON to hold 45 turbines but it was...

By Martin Walker Groups in the Newton Aycliffe and Middridge are set to benefit from a new pot of funding dedicated to small community minded organisations. The fund, which has been developed by the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership (GAMP) and the local community and voluntary organisations support group CAVOS, will provide a...

By Martin Walker Jason Steele says he’s “buzzing” after making Stuart Pearce’s final 18-man squad for this summer’s Olympics. The Middlesbrough goalkeeper and Aycliffe resident will join Welshmen Ryan Giggs and Craig Bellamy in the squad announced by Team GB today. Steele said: “I’m absolutely buzzing. I’ve said from...

Business and community groups are being invited to spend the afternoon with a millionaire who will be revealing his latest secret charitable venture. John Elliott, who was Channel Four's very first Secret Millionaire in 2006, is hosting an event on Friday 13th July on behalf of County Durham Community Foundation. John, who is vice...

By Martin Walker Newtonian Jason Steele has been named in Stuart Pearce’s Team GB squad for this summer’s Olympic Games. The announcement was made today at Wembley Stadium in London, which will host the gold medal match on August 11. Steele, an Aycliffe lad, this afternoon Tweeted “really honoured and privileged to be named in...

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe FC chairman Gary Farley says there’s a “great feel about the place” this summer. The Northern League club are hoping to improve on their ninth-placed finish in the first division last season. They’re planning a series of exciting new fundraising projects to boost their coffers, beginning with...

A drop-in event will give prospective adopters the chance to find out more about the support available for those giving a loving home to a child. It’s taking place on Thursday, July 12 and is a chance for people to find out more about adoption and the support available to adoptive parents. Anyone interested can pop along and find out...

Aycliffe Today Sports Editor and Newton Aycliffe FC reporter Glen Robertson completes his Euro 2012 blog after Sunday's final... I don’t think anyone will forget the Euro 2012 final. Not only did Spain cement their status as one of the greatest teams in the history of the game, they did it by annihilating a very talented Italy...

By Martin Walker Hitachi’s new plant manager for the proposed £77m Newton Aycliffe factory is relishing his new role in the North-East. Darren Cumner, 42, quit a secure job to join Hitachi Rail Europe seven weeks ago – a signal of the company’s confidence their £4.5bn Intercity Express Programme (IEP) will be rubber-stamped by...