Officers wish to thank the community after intelligence led them to a haul of prescription drugs. Two warrants were executed at Regent Street, in Shildon, on May 15 and June 16 where tablets were seized. Mark Hunter and Susan Brierley were both arrested at the address on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply. The pair...

Manufacturing of five 100% electric East Coast Trains has started at Hitachi Rail, signalling the start of a new phase of train building at the firm’s Newton Aycliffe factory. The construction of the new intercity trains for the open access operator (East Coast Trains) incorporates a more extensive manufacturing programme than previous...

Greenfield Community College have launched a brand-new school bulletin as part of their commitment to keep in touch with students and families and the wider community during these difficult times. This forms part of a communications programme to help inform and support learning and provide helpful signposting to relevant resources at this...

Business owners across County Durham have spoken of their relief at further financial support being provided during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Durham County Council extended the business rates grants scheme earlier this month, encouraging companies that were not previously able to access support to apply. The council has been...

A County Durham woman whose elderly mother was scammed out of thousands of pounds has told her story in the hope of preventing others falling victim. Thea Khamis has spoken out about what happened to her mother Mary to increase awareness of scams and the financial losses they can cause, as part of a national campaign backed by Durham County...

UTC South Durham has been selected by the Department for Education as one of 88 new T Level providers from across the UK. The Aycliffe Business Park technical school and sixth form will be piloting the new engineering and manufacturing T Levels from September 2022. T Levels, which are worth the equivalent of three A Levels, are high-quality...

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...