Plans for Woodham Academy’s multi-million pound rebuild have been rubber-stamped by councillors. Proposals for the state-of-the-art, three-story facility were unanimously approved by Durham County councillors this week. The new school – expected to open in 2024 – will be made up of teaching buildings and sports facilities, and will be...

A rogue roofer has been jailed after attempting to charge a vulnerable man more than four times the price he’d quoted for repair work. Kenan Samme, 24, of Shildon, was sentenced at Durham Crown Court on Friday (3 February) after pleading guilty to an offence of fraud by false representation. The court heard Samme and an associate called at...

By Steven Dawson It has been a busy week for members with three very different races taking place this week. This included some excellent running where personal bests have been achieved and even two club records were broken! On February 5, one member took part in the Muddy Boots 10k at Ripon with Rob Young completing the course in a...

Organisers of the hugely popular Bishop Auckland Food Festival have confirmed a trio of celebrity chefs will headline the event’s Saturday line-up. The festival, run by Durham County Council, pulled in a record 30,000 visitors last year and returns to the town on Saturday and Sunday, April 22-23. A weekend of delicious food and fantastic...

Around 50 business leaders were treated to a lesson in how to save cash and help the planet during an eye-opening presentation on solar power. New Energy & Building Services Solutions managing director David Kay delivered the short presentation at Aycliffe Business Park Community’s first news and networking event of 2023. Peterlee-based...

Newton Aycliffe 2, Whickham 0 By Bob Wood Newton Aycliffe moved five points clear at the top of the Ebac Northern League with a hard fought win against Whickham. Goals from Liam Jarvie and Liam Adamson gave Aycliffe the three points. The visitors made Brian Atkinson's team work for the win. Although Aycliffe had the better of the play...

Cases of fly-tipping continue to fall across County Durham. Levels are at the lowest they have ever been following efforts by Durham County Council to tackle the issue through education and enforcement. In the last year, fewer than 6,000 incidents were recorded across the county, which is down from more than 8,000 the year before. That...

Students from Woodham Academy recently returned from their snow sports trip to the Aosta Valley in Italy. The group skied and boarded in the resort of Pila which has stunning panoramic views of the Swiss border, including famous landmarks such as Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. The group of 44 students acquitted themselves extremely well...

By Berni Borsberry A round-up from Aycliffe Youthy action last week… U13 Angels 14 v 1 Bishop Girls (Cup) A win in this third-round match means we now play Hetton in the semi final. The girls put on a dominant display with 8 different goal scorers. A hat-trick for both Romilly & Faith. Goals also for Poppy, Isobel, Charli, Sophie, Hannah...

Durham’s spectacular heritage coastline is under the spotlight this year as part of a nationwide campaign to promote England’s coast as a sustainable year-round destination. 2023 has been designated as the Year of the Coast and aims to bring coastal destinations together to showcase their diverse offers, while also raising awareness of the...