Two dozen new police recruits have started training this week, strengthening the thin blue line protecting our communities in difficult times. The 24-strong team of new police constables proudly pulled on the Durham Constabulary uniform for the first time on Monday, at the start of a rigorous 13-week classroom-based training programme. They...

By Colin Young Proud to have once served their country, just as proud to wear the Sparta Security uniform, the exmilitary officers in the Task Force patrolling the streets of Aycliffe Business Park are becoming a familiar sight and deterrent. Businesses who have signed up to the security and crime prevention experts, who are newcomers after...

An online theatre festival aimed at celebrating creativity during the lockdown will showcase County Durham talent to a global audience this June. The Gala Theatre has teamed up with Durham University for Onstage: Online, a digital festival that will bring together a series of theatre shorts and longer productions created while the UK stays at...

Sedgefield MP Paul Howell with an open letter on the current Covid-19 crisis… There was some good news this week with Boris returning to lead us and starting to talk about the plan to release the lock down in a controlled and appropriate way. Obviously congratulations to him and Carrie too on the birth of their son. In line with the...

A Newton Aycliffe business leader says companies must “do the right thing” by both their staff and clients during the Covid-19 crisis. Sarah Monk, who owns Aycliffe-based Avec Partnership with her business partner Julie Sowerby, spoke openly during a webchat on Aycliffe Today’s Facebook page this week. She said people and businesses...

More roadsides across County Durham have been decorated with messages thanking key workers for keeping the county running during the coronavirus pandemic. Durham County Council has already created two displays dedicated to NHS staff, in Bishop Auckland and Durham. And now its Clean and Green teams have been busy arranging more roadside...

Communities across County Durham are being asked to look out for vulnerable adults and children during the coronavirus pandemic. Many women, men and children face a higher risk of abuse whilst isolating at home and Durham County Council’s safeguarding teams are concerned that the stay-at-home message could be causing increased anxiety for...

A popular bakery chain has announced that it will re-opening some of its stores on a trial basis. Greggs, headquartered in Newcastle, has more than 2,000 outlets across the country, including one in Aycliffe town centre, and will trial trading from 20 of those next week. The company has said that it will open the stores on Monday (May 4),...

Darlington Hippodrome is running regular online dance and drama classes available to young people and adults in a move to keep people active in body, mind and spirit during this period of social distancing. Hippodrome Youth Theatre sessions are tailored to specific age groups and explore a range of theatre techniques and styles. Sessions...

A new volunteering unit has been set up in County Durham to provide more support to local organisations and charities during the coronavirus pandemic. The unit builds on the work of County Durham Together, the community hub operated by Durham County Council to support people and families who are vulnerable and in need during these unprecedented...