New adult music lessons are offering talented performers and total beginners an opportunity to improve their musical skills. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Durham County Council’s Music Service has been teaching school-age pupils at home, completing more than 9,000 lessons via webcam, and has now extended its offer to adults across the...

The potential damage to the North-East economy from the coronavirus pandemic has been laid bare in two reports which point to the region being among those hardest hit. A study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said Britain’s economy was likely to slump by 11.5% in 2020 – but could contract by 14% if there...

Planning committees will restart next week to determine some of County Durham’s more significant applications. It’ll be the first planning committee held since March 18, after social distancing measures were introduced to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. Meetings still can’t resume in person but applications will be determined...

Newton Aycliffe’s football club has received a cash boost towards its ground improvement programme. Northern League first division side Newton Aycliffe FC has been awarded a £1,500 Pitch Preparation Fund grant from the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s Football Foundation. The Pitch Preparation Fund was set up in support of...

Greenfield Community College are finding new ways to welcome Year 6 students to school this year. The school says it’s important that students are given opportunities and information that will allow them to feel confident and secure about their transition to secondary school. Ms Davis is communicating with Year 6 students and their...

Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club returned to training this week for the first time since the Covid-19 outbreak brought all activities to a halt in March. Following the strict guidelines from the Government, and the England and Wales Cricket Board, Aycliffe were able to open their nets, although training was limited, with only two players allowed to...

County Durham residents who were asked to stay isolated in order to shield themselves from coronavirus are being urged to take extra care as restrictions begin to ease. It follows updated government advice stating that although people who are shielding remain vulnerable, they can now leave their home, as long as they are able to maintain strict...

Dozens of people have applied for jobs in the adult social care sector following a recruitment drive prompted by the coronavirus pandemic. County Durham Care Academy launched the fast-track recruitment and training programme at the beginning of last month in response to pressures being placed on the sector by the crisis. More than 60...

Businesses in County Durham are being invited to seek financial support following the extension of grants schemes. Durham County Council is extending the business rates grants schemes it has been administering on behalf of the government during the coronavirus pandemic, and is encouraging companies that were not previously able to access...

One-of-a-kind Newton Aycliffe project Together 21 has been enjoying personal sponsored challenges at home involving the number ‘21’. Together 21 is a project under the Pioneering Care Partnership providing weekly education sessions for babies to teens with Down syndrome and their families. The group plays an essential role in giving...