Parents in County Durham are being reminded they are running out of time to apply for secondary school places for their children. The deadline for applications for the next academic year, which starts in September 2023, is Monday, October 31, 2022. For a child to be eligible to start secondary school in September 2023, they must have been...

A Newton Aycliffe steel firm is working on a 1,200-tonne warehouse project in the region. Family-run Finley Structures were awarded the project by GMI Construction to work on the 650,000 sq ft development on Integra, a mixed-use scheme at junction 61 of the A1(M) at Bowburn. GMI enlisted the help of Durham City MP Mary Kelly Foy to mark a...

By Steven Dawson It has been a busy couple of weeks for Aycliffe Running Club Members, with a variety of races taking place. That saw three runners take part in the rearranged Great North 5k on Friday 7 October. Clare Stradling set a new personal best for the distance with a time of 22:08. Natalie Valentino 31:42 and Judith Porter 31:51...

A week of free activities is taking place at a historic mining attraction this October half-term. Killhope Lead Mining Museum, in Weardale, is hosting a variety of events to keep families busy. The museum, which is run by Durham County Council, is open every day during the October half term holiday from 10am to 4.30pm. Entry to the museum...

The region’s only scheme to provide a 100 per cent discount on council tax payments to all financially vulnerable households will be extended for another year. Proposals to continue the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme into 2023/24 were approved at a meeting of Durham County Council this morning. The plans, which were first approved by...

By Paul Blythe A round-up of this week’s football from Newton Aycliffe Junior Section. Under 7’s Juniors – Played against Washington Wildcats and put in an impressive performance. Goals Lincoln, Felix, Reign, Colton, and Zach, and a clean sheet for Luke. MOTM was Felix. Under 7’s Reds – Played Nunthorpe Athletic in the cup and...

Roads across County Durham have been resurfaced as part of a network improvement scheme. Durham County Council has invested £3.8m this year to repair and restore the county’s carriageways. Works have been carried out at a total of 145 sites across the county, covering 356,234 square metres of road. Sites that have been treated this...

Crafter’s Companion is celebrating 17 years in business. To commemorate the milestone, the global craft retailer has planned a vintage Hollywood themed celebration, from October 17-30. The event will feature a series of special live shows and extravagant giveaways on its digital platform, Crafter’s TV and partner shopping channel,...

By Berni Borsberry Thirsk Falcons 1 v 5 U12 Eagles (pictured above) A long trip to Thirsk but it was worth it as the boys played some fantastic football to take the 3 points. Goals from Brandon x 2, Jack T, Dan and Aiden Joint MOM to Brandon and Aiden Hebburn 2 v 7 U13 Angels Another quality performance. 2-1 at half-time but we pulled away...

An ambitious scheme to create a luxury spa and health club and additional 35 bedrooms at a County Durham hotel is hoping to get the go-ahead from councillors. Hardwick Hall Hotel near Sedgefield is currently awaiting planning permission for the £13m scheme, which if successful will see work begin late 2023. The exciting new scheme will...