By Martin Walker The multi-billion-pound contract which will create 500 direct jobs in Newton Aycliffe is expected to be finalised within weeks. But MP Phil Wilson, who led the campaign to bring Hitachi to the town, has told Aycliffe Today the complex deal is a mere formality. Hitachi has revealed that it is aiming to close the...

By Martin Walker A man has been killed in a fatal road traffic accident near Newton Aycliffe today. The accident happened between junctions 58 and 59 in the South-bound carriageway of the A1 (M), at 3.20am, when a lorry collided with the man, who was walking South on the motorway. The Volvo FH13 3x3 articulated lorry, owned by a...

A Newton Aycliffe-based multi-millionaire is to put his business in a trust to pump profits into the local community – instead of passing on his £30m fortune to his children. John Elliott will today reveal his plans for the future of Ebac, which employs 200 people at its Aycliffe factory. And his two daughters will be by his side as...

Aycliffe Today editor Martin Walker talks about some exciting developments for the website… Sometimes it may appear to be quiet on the face of things – but that doesn’t necessarily mean nothing is happening behind the scenes! It has admittedly been a quiet few weeks for Aycliffe Today, but I’ve been busy working on a couple of...

Tom Warke reviews his Album of the Week, Jason Mraz’s Love Is a Four Letter Word… American singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, was born in Mechanicsville, Virginia in 1977. From Czech decent through his grandfather, Mraz had a keen interest in music from an early age. In 2001 he released a live acoustic album, ‘Live at Java Joes’,...

By Paul McGeary The curtain fell on Newton Aycliffe’s season in the worst possible way as they crashed to a 4-2 reverse at home to their rivals Shildon. Former Newtonians’ striker Ben Wood opened the scoring with his sixth goal for the Railwaymen following his February move between the sides and Billy Greulish-Smith doubled the...

Two councillors have put their political views to one side to do their bit for the planet! Durham County Councillors Joan Gray (Labour) and Paul Gittins (Independent) have joined forces to help fund £12,000 solar panels for the Agnew Community Centre. Cllr Gittins and Gray have allocated £4,000 each from their neighbourhood budgets,...

Our resident North-East football expert has cast his opinion on the games around the region this weekend. Try our feedback button, and see if you can beat him! Aston Villa v Sunderland Premier League, Saturday (3pm) Both sides may appear to have little to play for, and in Sunderland’s case that may ring truer than Villa’s who will...

Aycliffe’s top tipster shares his two top tips of the day, as he takes on the bookmakers... Racing 3.25, Ayr – Scottish Grand National WALKON each-way. 28/1 with LADBROKES One week from England’s showcase race, attention turns north of the border for the Scottish Grand National. There may be 15 less runners than it’s Aintree...

Aycliffe Youth Centre's management committee are hosting a Showcase of many of the acts from the hugely successful Aycliffe’s Got Talent. Some of the judges who had the arduous task of choosing the winner will also be taking part in the event. The showcase will take place at the youth centre on Saturday 5th May (4pm). To order your...