News

Farewell to County Hall: Exhibition marks end of an era for North East council
An event celebrating the history of County Durham’s largest civic building will take place next week, ahead of the building’s closure this summer. For more than 60 years, County Hall in Aykley Heads has served as the headquarters of Durham

Partnership to Accelerate North East Lithium Battery Skills and Innovation
Stewart Dickson, Managing Director of Weardale Lithium, (2nd from right) marking the innovative partnership with Paul Bradley, Chief Financial Officer, Sharon Bennett, Assistant Principal (Advanced Manufacturing and Partnerships) and Alison Maynard, Deputy Principal of New College Durham Building on its

Teenage photographer snapping the Royals in London
17-YEAR-old Lewis, Langstaff-Wood, a farmer’s son from Witton-le-Wear is edging nearer to his career ambition of becoming a famous Royal Photographer. At the weekend, he and his mother, Laura, travelled to London for two full days of working both in

Dean Midas Films Captures Cinematic Magic at the Historic Durham Regatta
Award-winning independent filmmaker Dean Midas took his production to the banks of the River Wear today, filming a pivotal scene for his highly anticipated upcoming horror film, The Stitcher, at the iconic Durham Regatta. Known for his immersive and community

King James students shortlisted for The Key Awards 2026
Shortlisted students from left: Hudson, Flyn, Bez, Leon, Elliott, Jack, Codey and AJ. Two teams of Year 12 Media students at King James I Academy have been shortlisted to receive an award at The Key Awards 2026. The teams, calling

Home to school driver caught in unlicensed and uninsured vehicle
A man has been fined after being caught taking children to and from school in an unlicensed and uninsured vehicle. Keith Lambton, 53 of Henley Avenue, Pelton Fell in Chester-le-Street, was using the unlicenced vehicle to carry out Durham County

Northumbrian Water’s Water Saving in Business Fund
Demand for water in our supply area is rising, but the amount of water available remains the same. We’re working hard to reduce water demand and secure supply now, and in the future, which is why we’re inviting businesses in

PCC Joy Allen Calls for Urgent Reclassification of Ketamine to Class A
County Durham and Darlington Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Joy Allen has issued an urgent call for the Government to reclassify ketamine as a Class A drug, warning that failure to act risks deepening a growing public health and crime

Community Weekend at Railway a runaway success
Stanhope Silver Band performing on the Saturday evening. Photo: Sue Powley-Whittingham. Organised jointly by County Councillor Anita Savory MBE and the Weardale Railway in the form of Manager, Claire Gibbons, there was something for everyone and all ages over the

Beamish CEO Rhiannon Hiles appointed CBE in King’s Birthday Honours
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North’s Chief Executive Rhiannon Hiles has been appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours. Rhiannon was awarded the honour for services to museums and to

Local Rail Boss Speaks Out Against Rising Abuse of Railway Staff
The Chief Executive of Holdham Group has spoken out against a growing number of incidents involving abuse, intimidation and violence directed towards staff at Bishop Auckland Railway Station. Luke Allan Holmes, CEO of Holdham Group – the parent company of

Volunteers Help Build Safer, Stronger and More Resilient Communities
PCC Joy Allen explains, in her own words, how volunteers contribute across the whole spectrum of community safety and thanks them for the difference they make, today and every day. As Volunteers’ Week is celebrated across the country, it offers

Malcolm to brave the shave!
Malcolm Barwick from Billy Row A FORMER Submariner from Billy Row is preparing to brave the shave to raise money for a cancer charity. Malcolm Barwick served in the Royal Navy, on submarines for ten years before returning home to

New Mayor appointed for Durham
A long-serving councillor who has spent two decades in local politics has taken on a new civic role. Cllr Amanda Hopgood, who became the first woman to lead Durham County Council, now begins her term as Mayor of Durham for

Travel Update – Summer 2026
By Jon Cager, Stanhope Travel IT’S been a little while since my last feature, but there has certainly been plenty happening around the world. With the ongoing situation in the Middle East and the continued conflict in Ukraine, many people

Layla’s Latest Exhibition
Internationally renowned artist, Layla Curtis, originally from Ireshopeburn is staging a new exhibition. Layla, a former pupil of Wearhead Primary School and also Wolsingham School where her Art teacher was Ken Charlton, sold one of her works of Art to

Weardale Community Energy Events
Did you know that renewable energy solutions like solar could be owned by you and your community? These solutions can help reduce your bills, lower carbon emissions and increase energy security across Weardale. Would you like to know more? Join

Stanhope Station to host free Inspiration Train experience and family fun weekend
Weardale Railway is set to welcome families, railway enthusiasts and visitors from across the region for a packed weekend of entertainment as the nationally touring Inspiration Train arrives in County Durham. The free-to-visit Inspiration Train will be stationed at Stanhope