By Martin Walker Police this morning launched a major drugs operation to tackle a suspected heroin network near Newton Aycliffe. Nine people were arrest in the early hours of this morning in the first part of the drugs crackdown in the Spennymoor, Ferryhill and Chilton areas of County Durham – which could affect people in the Aycliffe...

By Martin Walker An ex-Aycliffe resident who used to live next door to the house which went up in flames on Monday says he tried to warn local environmental health officials about potential fire hazards – but his calls went unnoticed. Monday’s fire, at Honister Place in the town, claimed the life of a 65-year-old woman, while her...

Motorists are being urged to plan alternative routes while the final stage of improvements is carried out at a new roundabout at Thinford, near Spennymoor. As part of the highways enhancements linked to the DurhamGate development drivers are being given advance notice that the A167 between Thinford and Croxdale roundabout will be closed...

Aycliffe families are invited to watch a free community film this weekend. Everyone is invited to the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership Community Cinema at Neville Parade Community Centre on Saturday (19th May). The family animation film Surf’s Up will be showing from 2pm – with the doors opening at 1.45pm. All members of...

By Martin Walker Newton Aycliffe FC are planning their second annual Family Fun Day this summer after last year’s success. Hundreds of people turned out for last summer’s event – and organisers are expecting an even bigger turn-out for this year’s, which is being held on Sunday 8th July at Aycliffe Sports Club. Aycliffe FC’s...

Around 20 members of the same family covering four generations completed a marathon cycle ride recently in memory of Aycliffe man, Cyril Tinkler. Cyril died last September aged 81 years old after he lost a brave battle against cancer. His eldest son, Jeff, organised the Cycle for Cyril bike 50-miles ride from NBewton Aycliffe to...

Fire chiefs have issued a warning after a pensioner died in an Aycliffe house fire on Monday. The 65-year-old woman died following a fire at a property in Honister Place around 1pm yesterday. The pensioner and her 37-year-old son were rescued and taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital by ambulance, but she later died. Steve Wharton, of...

By Martin Walker A woman has died following a house fire in Newton Aycliffe. County Durham and Darlington fire and rescue service, paramedics and police attended the blaze at the property in Honister Place shortly before 1pm today. The 65-year-old victim, reported to have been trapped in the house, was taken by ambulance to Darlington...

Brodie Millichap picks out this week's TV highlights... Five Picks of the Week 56 Up: Monday 9pm, ITV1. Michael Apted returns to host the hit Granada documentary as we meet up with the group that were first shown nearly 50 years ago, when they were just 7 years old. Now into their mid-50s the participants look back on their life so far:...

By Paul McGeary Ask any musician what was the pinnacle of their career and most if not all will point to headlining a huge home-coming gig in their native town or city. Be it U2 playing Slane Castle in 2001 or the time when Oasis played at Maine Road in 1996, there will be fewer better memories for any group or artist when they reflect...