By Martin Walker County Durham and Darlington Fire Authority has announced an increase in its budget for this year – despite having to make savings of £3m over the next three years. The authority which covers Newton Aycliffe will spend an extra £734,000 in 2012-13 thanks to an increase in council tax. The Authority has agreed a...

By Martin Walker Darlington manager Craig Liddle admits his side’s trip to fellow strugglers Alfreton Town today is a huge test. Quakers are now level with fourth-bottom Kettering in the Blue Square Bet Premier League – only goal difference is keeping them out of the relegation places after a 10-point deduction for going into...

The first major exhibition of work by an influential County Durham-born artist will open next week. John Cecil Stephenson, who was born and raised in Bishop Auckland, is widely acknowledged within the art world as one of the leading names in British abstract art. Pioneer of Abstraction, at the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery from...

By Martin Walker Darlington manager Craig Liddle admits he may lose some of his players before the end of the season. The Quakers interim boss says although the positive news about the share issue announced earlier this week is a positive move for the club, he says it doesn’t help him in the short-term. Darlo will almost certainly...

By Martin Walker Phil Wilson has slammed utility firms for dragging their feet which has caused the delay of the Aldi site in Newton Aycliffe. Construction of the eagerly-awaited Aldi supermarket, adjacent to Tesco along Greenwell Road in the town, has stalled recently, frustrating residents. Our MP says utility companies are to...

Comedian Dave Spikey might not be known for having a problem with words but he’ll be focusing on those times when the English language can fail us all when his latest tour stops off in Durham. The double Comedy Award winner brings his Words Don’t Come Easy 2012 show to Gala Theatre on Sunday, 8 April. From tongue-tied parents...

By Martin Walker Jason Steele has praised his hometown club for the huge progress they’ve made over the years. The Middlesbrough goalkeeper and proud Newtonian has been delighted to see Allan Oliver’s side rise through the leagues – from the parks of the Durham Alliance to the heights of the Northern League top-flight and FA Cup...

One of the leading training firms in the region is now recruiting potential new Apprentices. Newton Aycliffe-based S W Durham Training has reported a significant increase in employers looking to recruit an Engineering Apprentice. Despite continued economic uncertainty, almost 90% of learners enrolled in September last year have now...

By Ryan Gillham Durham Wildcats travel to Newcastle to face the Eagles tonight, who currently lie top of the BBL table with a 15-1 record this season. The Wildcats are at the opposite end of the table, lying at the bottom after only two wins this season bringing their record to 2-15. Dave Elderkin is looking for a positive reaction...

By Martin Walker A bunch of girls dubbed the Banana Army have announced their fundraising plans for the year – with a Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball being the headline event in September. The Banana Army, all from Newton Aycliffe, raised thousands of pounds last year, running a string of wacky stunts including a three-hour Zumbathon and an...