A Newton Aycliffe woman denies helping herself to thousands of pounds from the old Blue Bell garage. Avril Henderson, of Brockwell Close, is on trial at Durham Crown Court for allegedly taking nearly £85,000 over a five-year period. When interviewed by police about the missing cash, the 63-year-old could offer no explanation as to what...

By Martin Walker Weather has caused mayhem on some of the region’s roads – and police are advising all motorists to take care. Thankfully nothing serious has been reported in Newton Aycliffe up to 9am Wednesday morning. But the East and West-bound carriageways of the A66 remain closed due to heavy snow, with police advising...

Fancy teeing-off a new hobby? Durham County Council is offering six-week starter courses for adults who want to get into golf. Sessions are run by professional coaches and all is equipment is provided. Victoria Lee, Durham County Council adult healthy lifestyle coordinator, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for those who are...

Durham County Council is encouraging local companies to do their bit to give young people in the care system or leaving care a leg up when it comes to securing a job. The Teenagers 2 Work scheme works with businesses across the county to offer young people the necessary work experience, vital to give their future careers a...

By Martin Walker MP Phil Wilson says he became so frustrated with the Aldi delay in Newton Aycliffe that he almost raised it in the House of Commons! Work was expected to start on the new town centre store earlier this year after demolition was completed at the end of 2011. But petty wranglings involving the ownership of utility pipes...

Durham Constabulary’s non-emergency phone number - 101 – will be the only number to call as from today. The new national non-emergency number 101 went live in Durham in December 2011. It automatically connects callers to their nearest force, but includes options for four other neighbouring forces. The aim is to have a single...

Aycliffe Today brings you unrivalled coverage of our football club's progress in the Northern League first division. The Newtonians fell to a fifth straight defeat with a drastically unlucky 1-0 reverse at Whitley Bay on Saturday. Match Report - Martin Walker's report from Hillheads Reaction - man-of-the-match Josh Gray's post-match...

By Martin Walker Emma Howells is smiling again, thanks to Julie’s Pets! We told you about a heinous crime on Saturday, after a defenceless family Guinea Pig was beheaded in Newton Aycliffe. Storm, a pet owned by 16-year-old animal care student Emma Howells, was attacked and killed by evil thugs in the family’s garden near...

Around 20 volunteers turned out for an annual event to spruce up the grounds of Aycliffe Sports Club. The town’s Cricket Club take part in the annual Natwest Cricket Force event, which involves giving the club’s grounds a new lease of life. First team captain and Sports Club groundsman Chris Palmer co-ordinated this year’s...

Brodie Millichap previews this week's TV highlights... Five Picks of the Week Rory McGrath’s Pub Dig: Tuesday 8pm, Channel 5. In the first of the new series, Rory McGrath explore some of Britain’s oldest pubs in the hope of finding archaeological goods. We begin by visiting the Command House in Chatham, Kent. The Undateables...