One of the region’s biggest business shows – held on Aycliffe Business Park – made a triumphant return this week. EMCON – an engineering and manufacturing conference, previously known as Oktoberfest – has been running for 14 years. The annual event regularly topped 1,000 visitors prior to the pandemic. As people and businesses...

A store worker at Tesco in the town has been handed an inaugural gong to celebrate local community spirit. Shirley Cormack, the community champion at Tesco, has been recognised with the very first Community Spirit Award, by the Aycliffe Community Spirit group. “We think it is time that we hear positive stories about people who go above and...

England’s largest festival of culture and history returns this week, offering free access to some of County Durham’s hidden gems. Heritage Open Days will run from Friday 10 September to Sunday 19 September, and cultural venues and heritage sites across County Durham are taking part. The full programme reflects the rich heritage that...

There was a buzz at Greenfield Community College as students returned for the new academic term. Improvements to facilities, extended resources, and the benefits of a more relaxed summer break have all contributed to renewed enthusiasm and a positive learning environment. Year 7 and Year 11 were first to return, enabling the new cohort to...

Crafter’s Companion is celebrating receiving its Queen's Award for Enterprise for International Trade. The global craft retailer was presented the accolade by County Durham’s Lord Lieutenant, Sue Snowdon, at its UK head office in Newton Aycliffe. The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are for outstanding achievements by UK businesses in the...

Families in County Durham are being urged by the Royal Society for the Prevention Accidents (RoSPA) to take action to protect their children from the risks of household cleaning products. The latest phase of the Take Action Today, Put Them Away campaign, funded by Fairy is being launched on 6th September 2021. This follows the scheme’s...

By Paul Dalton On Saturday, August 28, two of our runners competed in the Stanhope 10 Miler. Paul Dalton and Richard Campbell (pictured) completed the hilly course in 1:09:36 and 1:09:44 respectively. On Saturday this week, 27 members completed a parkrun. Once again, most runners could be found at Sedgefield parkrun, though we also had...

A Newton Aycliffe care home has been shortlisted for a major national honour. HC-One’s Defoe Court care home is celebrating after being shortlisted in the National Care Awards. The awards, organised by leading social care publication, Caring Times Magazine, celebrates the very best people in the long-term care sector. Defoe Court, which...

A science and technology park looks set to expand, with councillors being asked to support a near £50m investment in its growth. NETPark at Sedgefield will be extended with a new third phase, should Durham County Council’s Cabinet agree to £49.6m being used to finance the development. The new phase would generate up to 1,250 skilled...

County Durham residents are being given the opportunity to help shape education services for the county’s children and young people. Three Parent Governor Representatives (PGRs) are needed for Durham County Council’s Children and Young People’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The committee considers a wide range of issues affecting...