By Martin Walker Phil Wilson has told Aycliffe Today he expects the long-awaited Hitachi deal to be officially signed within weeks. But he insists the signing of the contract is just a formality. Mr Wilson is excited about the prospect of trains rolling off Hitachi’s production line at the new Aycliffe factory by 2015. He also...

By Martin Walker Staff at Tesco in Newton Aycliffe will be selling raffle tickets for a charity Easter Prize Draw over the long weekend. Tesco's new charity of the year is Cancer Research UK, with the Aycliffe store setting an ambitious target of raising £3,500 this year. Shoppers at the store can win an Easter Hamper, which includes...

With Newcastle taking on Swansea in a Good Friday fixture today, our resident expert makes his prediction on this special Easter tie. He’ll be back tomorrow to cast his opinion on other fixtures in the region over the weekend. Meanwhile… Swansea v Newcastle Premier League (Friday, 4.30pm) A fixture that some thought back in...

The filling station manager accused of thieving nearly £85,000 from the Blue Bell garage has been found guilty. As reported in today’s Northern Echo, Avril Henderson was yesterday found guilty at Durham Crown Court of helping herself to the cash over a five-year period. But the 63-year-old, of Brockwell Close in the town, has been...

Quakers manager Craig Liddle spoke to BBC Tees earlier today, looking forward to Darlington's game at home to Grimsby Town on Saturday. Go to our Video Vault to see the interview now // ...

Are you looking for something to do during the Easter holidays? There’s loads of activities going on in Newton Aycliffe today – from free face-painting to a football festival for eight to 14-year-olds. Here’s what’s going on today, with full contact details… Mini Activity Session Where: Oak Leaf Sports Complex When:...

By Martin Walker Aycliffe manager Allan Oliver looks ahead to his side’s Easter Saturday game at home to Guisborough Town. The Newtonians boss talks to Aycliffe Today about Whitley Bay’s cruel 97th-minute winning goal last Saturday, condemning Aycliffe to a fifth successive defeat. But Oliver is upbeat after a much-improved...

North-East business boss John Elliott MBE is launching a campaign – called Stop Gap – to convince political leaders to put greater emphasis on manufacturing the goods we consume in the UK and overseas. John, chairman of Newton Aycliffe-based Ebac, believes the UK trade deficit – the difference between what we buy and what we sell –...

By Martin Walker Police are advising Newtonians to be alert after a member of the public received a phone call from men claiming to be from Durham Constabulary. A person in the Shildon area, near Newton Aycliffe, received a number of calls from people with London and Birmingham accents, claiming to be from the Careless Driving...

By Martin Walker The major roads affected by the adverse weather earlier today have now re-opened. Weather caused mayhem on some of the region’s roads overnight as police advised all motorists to take care. Nothing serious was reported in Newton Aycliffe. The East and West-bound carriageways of the A66 were closed due to heavy...