Local News

Green Space Blooms Where Empty Shop Once Stood in Spennymoor
Land once occupied by a vacant shop unit has been transformed into a green space as part of work to regenerate a County Durham town centre. Durham County Council has turned the former 55-63 unit on Festival Walk in Spennymoor into a community garden and public space. The unit had been vacant for som...

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Driver fined after speed camera catches her on A1(M) in County Durham
Amy Hulse, 28, of Langdon Gardens, Durham, appeared before Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, July 10, after admitting speeding on the A1(M).
County Durham Tomb Raider composer jailed for fiddling Government Covid loan scheme
A County Durham composer has been jailed for abusing a Government-backed recovery loan scheme set up to help small and medium-sized businesses struggling in the Covid pandemic.
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Dedication and innovation celebrated as education trust presents staff awards
Dedication and innovation celebrated as education trust presents staff awards
‘Revolting Children’ wow audiences at North East school
Young performers at Brandon Primary Academy, near Durham, delighted audiences with their production of Matilda Jr.
Here's what the Met Office says about Darlington's weekend weather
The Met Office has forecasted a mix of sunshine and rain for County Durham and Darlington this weekend.
Beamish launches summer of fun with storytelling and railway history
A County Durham museum is inviting visitors to step back in time with a summer full of railway-inspired storytelling and hands-on history.
The four North East restaurants named among best in the UK by Good Food Guide
FOUR North East venues have been named among the best local restaurants in the UK.
County Durham man who attacked police officer narrowly avoids jail
Andrew Bowes, 30, of Ennerdale Drive, Crook, appeared before Peterlee Magistrates’ Court after assaulting a police officer in Crook.
Starving pets were recovered from rubbish at chaotic home by RSPCA inspectors
A couple whose numerous pets, including a snake, were living among rubbish at their “chaotic” home have been disqualified from keeping animals for ten years.
Pictures as CSI called and evidence tent in place outside County Durham home
Emergency services have descended onto houses on the B6277 in Middleton-in-Teesdale, near Alston Road Garage.
County Durham student wins national poetry contest at Shakespeare's Globe
Charlie Liddell, a student from Durham Sixth Form Centre in County Durham, was crowned national champion at the Poetry by Heart final held at Shakespeare’s Globe in London.

Family Fun in Full Bloom at Raby Castle’s Alice in Wonderland Takeover
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens is encouraging families to journey down the rabbit hole this summer with an Alice in Wonderland inspired takeover of the castle grounds. From Saturday 19th July, a new and immersive experience awaits in The Riding School, setting everyone’s senses and imaginations ali...

County Durham primary school 'delighted' after outstanding Ofsted grades
St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School in Langley Moor is "delighted" after being awarded several outstanding grades in its latest Ofsted report.
Man fined over illegal scrap metal activity after fleeing police in County Durham
Owen James Dobson, 25, of School Road, East Rainton, appeared before Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, July 9.

Protect Your Pets: Cats Can Get Sunburnt Too, Warns RSPCA
Did you know your pets can get sunburnt too? We’re being hit by yet another heatwave – and we all know how important it is to slather on the sun protection factor on these hot, sunny days. But have you ever thought about protecting your pets from harmful UV rays? Cats often love basking in […]...

'Spirit of true sportsmanship' as 300 pupils compete in County Durham sports day
Pupils from schools that make up the Advance Learning Partnership (ALP) gathered at Shildon Running and Athletics Club to face off in series of track and field events.
Cowboy builder faces jail after leaving County Durham family £62k out of pocket
A rogue builder jailed as part of a housing repair conspiracy last year is facing another prison sentence after admitting a further fraud charge.
North East fire service named among nation's top apprentice employers
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service has earned national recognition by being listed in The Sunday Times' Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers for 2025, highlighting its commitment to developing apprenticeships in the fire and rescue sector.
Durham Fringe Festival set to return with more than 100 acts
Celebrating its fifth year, the Durham Fringe Festival returns, featuring more than 100 acts and 270 performances.