News

Rising Vehicle Crime – Practical Steps Every Motorist Can Take
Vehicle crime is increasing across the country, and sadly County Durham and Darlington have also felt the impact. Whether it’s theft of vehicles, theft from vehicles, or the fast-growing threat of keyless car crime, these offences are becoming more organised

Merry Christmas from Stanhope Travel
As we are nearing the end of 2025, we would like to wish our lovely clients a Merry Christmas & look forward to seeing you all in the New Year ❄️ 🎅 If you are looking to escape or for

Public in Durham Urged to be Vigilant this Winter
People in Durham are being asked to stay vigilant this Winter, as crowds are expected to visit the city to celebrate the festive period. With footfall increasing in the city as people enjoy the Christmas markets, shops and restaurants this

Festive team spirit shines at believe housing’s charity drive
Housing association colleagues came together for a hands-on volunteering session that will help people in need this Christmas. Employees at believe housing created a mini production line at its Coast House office in Seaham, to pack donations for two local

Darlington Mart
Darlington Farmers Auction Mart held their weekly sale of prime stock on Thursday 4th December 2025. Forward were 243 cattle and 1683 sheep. 104 Prime Bulls sold to 430ppk or £356340 Prime Steers sold to 447ppk or £319098 Prime Heifers

The Weardale Practice
JOB OPPORTUNITY Admin & Reception Team Member The closing date is 11 January 2026 Apply for this job Job summary We are seeking an enthusiastic, organised and compassionate individual to join our Administration & Reception team. This role is key

Drug drivers warned: ‘One night out – a lifetime of consequences.”
A hard-hitting campaign is launching to remind drivers of the devastating repercussions of getting behind the wheel under the influence of drugs and alcohol this Christmas. The campaign, jointly led by Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen, Durham Constabulary and

The Story wins national award
COUNTY Durham’s newest culture, heritage and registration venue has been recognised for its contribution to the community with a national award. The Story was among the winners crowned at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence. The

Brave Bonnie lights up County Hall
A little girl living with a rare and aggressive form of cancer helped add some festive cheer to Durham City. Bonnie-Leigh Spence and her sister helped light up the County Hall Christmas Tree, helping to spread festive sparkle to all

Exclusive Curator’s Tour of extraordinary Neapolitan nativity announced at Auckland Palace
Visitors are being invited to experience one of the world’s most remarkable 18th-century Neapolitan nativity displays at Bishop Auckland this Christmas – with an exclusive curator-led tour, including festive canapes and fizz, now available for a limited number of guests.


CHRISTMAS COMES TO WEARDALE
Santa in Stanhope. Photo by Lee Crowther. ALL over the Dale, Christmas festivities have kickstarted Advent. From Fir Tree and Harperley and all the way up the Dale, events have been organised by hardworking volunteers to signal the beginning of

Darlington Mart
Darlington Farmers Auction Mart held their special ‘The Cattle are Lowing’ show and sale of store cattle in conjunction with their weekly sale of cast cattle, store and breeding stock and their special Christmas show and sale of rearing calves

‘Beavis’ Bench’ a tribute to Rookhope man
A MAN from Rookhope who died suddenly in July this year has been commemorated with a bench outside of his old school. Paul ‘Beavis’ McCain, a father-of two, was only 42 years old when he died. His family and friends

Alston Moor Federation Celebrates Achievement at Annual Prize Evening
Alston Moor Federation proudly hosted its annual Prize Evening last week, bringing together pupils, families, staff and community members to celebrate the successes of the 2024–2025 academic year across Nenthead Primary School, Alston Primary School and Samuel King’s School. The

Stanhope church closure
The Parish Church of St Thomas in Stanhope will be undergoing major reordering work commencing Monday 12 January and lasting several months. The church will be CLOSED to all visitors from 29 DECEMBER while we prepare the church. Most services

Firefighters to hold Santa On Tour event
Santa is set to join firefighters on a magical fire engine tour of County Durham and Darlington this Christmas. Firefighters from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) are putting on their annual Santa On Tour event to

The Auckland Project launches 40% off Festive Ticket Packages for Black Friday
The Auckland Project has announced a 40% Black Friday discount on its popular Festive Ticket Package, giving visitors the chance to experience two of the region’s standout Christmas attractions for less. The package includes entry to Christmas at Auckland Palace,