A lorry driver who caused a collision which killed three people has spoken out from his prison cell on the dangers of using a mobile phone at the wheel as part of a hard-hitting film by Durham Constabulary. Ion Onut was using the internet on his phone when he crashed his Scania truck into slow moving traffic on the northbound carriageway of the...

Freelance broadcaster and presenter Charlie Charlton on why Aycliffe's Make Your Mark Awards in May was a triumph... Is it possible to build a true community from nothing? From empty warehouses and empty roads, where the rubbish blows through, and the rents are dirt cheap? The answer is a defiant YES! I’ve been pondering this since...

An initiative to address the need for social care workers has reached over 100 recruits. With a current national shortage of staff working in social care, combined with people living longer, there has never been a greater need for people to work in the sector. Since it was launched in September 2019, County Durham Care Academy, run by Durham...

By Paul Blythe A round-up of this week’s football from Newton Aycliffe Junior Section… Under 7’s Juniors – Played against AJX, in a game full of goals, Aycliffe only had five players available due to injuries. MOTM was Linc Harrop who worked hard throughout the game scoring five goals. Under 7’s Reds – Travelled to Yarm to...

A number of North-East-based companies working in advanced material electronics has launched a cluster group at a national conference being held in the region. The North East Advanced Material Electronics cluster group (NEAME) has been established to showcase the regional capability, which goes beyond conventional and high-volume compound...

Students at Greenfield Community College left the stage with thunderous applause in the ears as they wowed friends and family at their annual school production. The all singing and dancing school adaption of the musical Grease played to packed audiences in the main hall across three action packed nights. The show was three years in the...

By Bob Wood Newton Aycliffe FC begin their Ebac Northern League season on Saturday (July 30) with a home game against Newcastle Benfield. Brian Atkinson begins his first full season in charge at Moore Lane with several new faces added to the squad. Among them is prolific striker Jamie Owens, returning for his third spell at the club. Most...

County Durham’s green spaces have once again been recognised for their high standards at the prestigious Green Flag Awards. Eleven parks and green spaces, which are maintained by Durham County Council, have received the honour after being so well looked after for yet another year. The scheme, recognising parks, cemeteries, countryside...

More than £1m in funding has been secured to help almost 300 unemployed young people get into work and improve their skills. Durham County Council and Groundwork North East have been successful in winning a £1.2m bid awarded by the Youth Futures Foundation. The funding has enabled the council and Groundwork to establish the DurhamWorks...

Lee Weldon's weekly round-up from the wicket... Saturday 23rd July – NYSD Division 2 Hartlepool 2nd XI v Newton Aycliffe 1st XI – weather was cool and overcast. Hartlepool won the toss and chose to bowl first. Newton Aycliffe 1st XI 78 all out after 35.5 overs Sam Telford 14 and Owen Smith 11 Hartlepool 2nd XI 80 for 4 after 17.4...