John Parnell’s affiliation with Newton Aycliffe, unbeknown to many, spans four decades. Originally from Croydon in South London, he moved to the North-East as a youngster and spent most of his schooling days in the Peterlee area. The 65-year-old has since worked in civil services all over the country, including roles for the Department for...

The merger of two community banks is proving a prudent decision, bringing benefits to members and strengthening the region’s credit union movement. NEFirst Credit Union and Prince Bishops Community Bank merged on 1 June after a detailed review concluded it would be in the best interests of members and the wider population of County...

Woodham Academy’s talented students have displayed their fantastic art work at the school’s end-of-year exhibition. The well-attended exhibition featured an extensive collection of impressive art works in a range of styles and materials – including those from students Alivia Hoy and Eva Estathiou, pictured above. Lynsey McAulay, head...

Newton Aycliffe-based cleaning firm Diamond Commercial Cleaning is celebrating an impressive period of growth after smashing its turnover target. The firm’s managing director, Beverley Wardrop, aimed for 10% growth during a 12-month period, but her business has surpassed that when it reported a hike of more than 30%. Beverley runs her...

Households in County Durham are being asked to check if the voter information for their home is correct. As part of Durham County Council’s annual canvass, households will soon receive a letter asking them to confirm the information currently held on the electoral register. David Collingwood, Durham County Council’s electoral services...

Cyclists and walkers are being invited to have their say and help families’ get in shape, stay heathy and travel cheaply. Durham County Council is developing a new ten year plan which, from November, will guide its efforts to reduce the region’s reliance on cars and create confident cycling and walking communities. Cllr Carl Marshall,...

Crafter’s Companion celebrated the end of another hugely-successful year when they were awarded the Export award at Aycliffe Business Park’s Make Your Mark event. Crafter's was recently ranked at number 31 in this year’s Sunday Times SME Export Track 100 list after experiencing 72% year-on-year growth in export sales. One of just four...

Adult learners across the county have been honoured for their hard work and dedication at a celebration evening. The Adult Learning and Skills Service Festival of Learning awards took place at Ramside Hall, with winners and highly commended learners, tutors and groups of learners receiving trophies and certificates. The winners were: •...

Newton Aycliffe's first and second teams both beat Bedale on Saturday. Here's a round-up of the weekend’s cricket action… Saturday 28th July – NYSD Division 2 Bedale 1st XI v Newton Aycliffe 1st XI – weather was windy and sunny. Bedale won the toss and chose to bat first. Bedale 1st XI 57 all out after 21.4 overs Michael Howe 5...

A Teesside University service for County Durham SMEs is increasing the financial support available for graduate recruitment. For a limited time, the “cap” on Innovate Durham’s maximum subsidy is being lifted, so that eligible businesses receive 50% of the cost of taking on a graduate for the first six months, regardless of salary...