Author: Sam Bradley

Castle hosts graduation ceremony

Auckland Castle provided the stunning backdrop for Bishop Auckland College’s showcase Higher Education graduation ceremony last night.

3D Flowerbeds to Bloom in Durham City

Two 3D carpet bed installations are being erected in Durham City as part of the city’s entry into the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Northumbria in Bloom and Britain in Bloom competitions.

Full-to-capacity Stiller expanding again with new storage developments

Newton Aycliffe family business Stiller Warehousing and Distribution is developing unused areas of land on its 20 acre site to accommodate a surge in new business which has taken existing storage space full to capacity.

Academy’s top sports students recognised at ceremony

Young sportsmen and women have been recognised at an awards presentation where the importance of teamwork was brought into sharp focus.

Lumiere artists light up BRASS through Bandstand project

Artists are setting the stage for BRASS Festival – quite literally – as they build bandstands at some of the North East’s top attractions.

Darlington School and Community Games Day

Pupils from primary schools across Darlington were inspired to take part in sport and physical activity at a special event this week.

NY children report on trip to London

Children from North Yorkshire primary schools had a capital experience when they went on a day trip to London.

9% fall in value of North East service exports

In the wake of the EU referendum on 23 June, the spotlight is increasingly focussed on international trade. The services export estimates released today for 2011-14 by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show steady growth across the UK as a whole.

Family workshops open for community carnival

THE COUNTDOWN to the 29th Stockton International Riverside Festival is well under way and there is still time for school, youth and community groups of all ages to sign up for the ever-popular Community Carnival.

North East estate agent celebrates new appointments

North East estate agent and chartered surveyor Bradley Hall is celebrating further company expansion with the appointment of two new team members.

Outstanding community service rewarded in Stanley

The Stanley Area Action Partnership (AAP) has been recognising the excellent work of local volunteers and organisations in the Stanley area.

Tackling loan sharks in Spennymoor

The England Illegal Money Lending Team, in partnership with livin Housing, Spennymoor Area Action Partnership, Durham Constabulary and Durham Trading Standards, are working with residents in Spennymoor next week to raise awareness of the dangers of loan sharks.

The Road to Rio comes to Sunderland

Sunderland customer service employees are hitting the ‘Road to Rio’, by taking part in a virtual bike ride to support companywide fundraising for the British Paralympic Association.

Jobs up for grabs as recruitment fair comes to town

LEADING businesses are on the look-out for fresh talent in Middlesbrough – and they’ll have more than 300 jobs up for grabs at a recruitment event next week.

New powers being used to punish fly-tippers

South Tyneside Council is warning fly-tippers that it is making good use of new powers to crack down on people who illegally dump waste.

Silverstone completes six-figure refurbishment for Bond Dickinson

Newcastle-based Silverstone Building Consultancy has completed a six-figure office refurbishment at a landmark building in Bristol’s premier office quarter on behalf of UK law firm, Bond Dickinson.

Appeal for public to help to tackle fly-tippers

South Tyneside Council is appealing to the public for help following two serious cases of fly-tipping in the Borough.

Lucky thirteen

Thirteen inspirational entrepreneurs have been recognised at an annual Hambleton awards ceremony.

Appeal for more would-be carers to find out about fostering

Foster carers are urgently needed to provide homes for children in care in County Durham.

Learners honoured for remarkable achievements

Remarkable individuals have been honoured for their dedication and determination to learn.

Innovative learning disabled people create summer themed club night experience

A group of young, creative learning disabled people are putting the finishing touches to their third club night experience at ARC, and are inviting other learning disabled people aged 18+ to join in the fun.

Godfrey Syrett delivers zesty-themed office furniture for Stockton call centre business

North East office furniture specialist, Godfrey Syrett, has completed a bespoke zesty-themed furniture fit-out on behalf of a Stockton-based call centre business.

Digital business relocates to accommodate expansion plans

A Middlesbrough-based digital business that specialises in bespoke websites has completed a move to new, larger premises to meet its ambitious expansion plans.

Oaps are vips in Darlington

On Thursday 14 July, businesses and organisations from throughout Darlington will converge on the Market Square to hand out free information and advice to pensioners on everything from banking to neighbourhood safety to mobile technology and even hearing loss.

Northumbrian Music Festival to Tour the North

Performances to include Full Length Operas, Classical and Traditional music to be held over 5 weekends between October and March.

Young award-winners to take part in emergency exercise

Young firefighters, scout groups, police and air cadets from County Durham and Darlington who recently completed the Duke of Cornwall Community Safety Award will put their skills to the test next Saturday.

Landlords pay back Council Tax arrears

PRIVATE housing landlords have paid off major Council Tax debts – to stave off the threat of bankruptcy.

Landlord says it’s essential to attend free course

A County Durham landlord’s training programme could prove to be a lifesaver.

Sports coach launches project to hone young elite athletes

ONE of the most prominent influences on youth sport has launched a new venture to hone the skills of elite athletes.

Haskel completes major contract for African oil and gas industry

Sunderland-based high pressure pump and valve engineering specialist Haskel Europe has completed a multi-million pound contract to deliver flushing rigs for export to Nigeria.

Newcastle’s Stephenson Quarter secures global giant Convergys as expansion plans announced

Convergys, a global leader in customer management services, has been confirmed as the single tenant of The Rocket in Newcastle’s Stephenson Quarter.

Sunderland graduate books her future into Texas

Helen Willis is literally moving on after graduation – relocating from Sunderland to Texas to pursue her dream career at one of the USA’s top hotel management firms.

North East University honours legendary TV producer and arts chief

THE man at the helm of Arts Council England and Chairman of ITV has received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from the University of Sunderland.

Soccer school scores with youngsters

Young football fans in the Northumberland village of Lynemouth have been rewarded for their love of the beautiful game during a special celebration event.

Sir Richard Branson donates incredible auction prize to local charity Children North East

On Friday 8th July around 250 guests will attend the Children North East 125th anniversary summer party at the Marriott hotel Gosforth Park.

North East security risk management firm agrees to a sponsor partnership with Emirates’

North East security risk management firm, Athena Risk, has agreed a sponsor partnership with Emirates’ to deliver workshops that help UK businesses understand the potential business risks when conducting business overseas.

Day of achievment as art and design students celebrate top honours across the North East

Students from Cleveland College of Art & Design (CCAD) celebrated their academic success as the third graduation ceremony got underway at the Christ Church in Hartlepool.

Popular fitness class gets biking boost

More people are being encouraged to get fit by taking part in Cyclenergy classes thanks to the purchase of 11 new cutting-edge design Technogym bikes at Freeman’s Quay Leisure Centre in Durham City.

Hemlington Family Fun Day

LOCAL families are invited to come along and enjoy an array of fun activities offered at Hemlington Community Council’s annual fun family event.

The sky’s the limit with airshow hospitality

VISITORS to the Sunderland International Airshow 2016 will be flying high if they take advantage of a selection of bespoke hospitality packages.

MFC foundation kicks antisocial behaviour into touch

Cleveland Police have praised Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation’s contribution to reduced antisocial behaviour in some of the most deprived areas of Teesside.

A chip of success

A County Durham dog-chipping campaign is proving a success following the introduction of legislation requiring all dogs to be microchipped from April 2016.

Botham’s last club is picture postcard perfect

The former club of legendary England Test cricketer Sir Ian Botham will be immortalised in glass thanks to a unique collaboration between North-East schoolchildren and residents.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert!

Get ready for the ride of your life as the ultimate party, Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical is brought to Tyne Theatre & Opera House by Astravaganza Entertainment in February 2017.

Music in the park

A programme of free Saturday concerts gets underway this weekend, with a host of North East bands set to perform throughout the summer.

Alpamare’s first ever UK waterpark announces official opening date

The eagerly awaited official opening date of Alpamare Scarborough, the £14 million alpine themed, innovative and thrilling waterpark, due to open on the Yorkshire coast later this month, has been announced today as Thursday 28 July 2016.

Ashington students use their tech skills to create a digital history for the National Park

Budding historians and investigative journalists at Ashington High School have documented the lives of people and communities that live and work in Northumberland National Park as part of a special project to celebrate its 60th anniversary.

Glittering night of success for Excelsior Academy at top education awards

Excelsior Academy and the Laidlaw Schools Trust are celebrating being named as top employer for its apprentice programme at the Newcastle City Council Adult Learning Celebration of Success awards.

Drivers advised to plan ahead of the Great Yorkshire Show 2016

Drivers are being advised to plan ahead and allow extra time if they are travelling to and around Harrogate next week ahead of the Great Yorkshire Show.

Children win dream contest of blowing up old school

TWO destructive teens are preparing to raise the roof, the walls and the doors as they start the countdown to the demolition of their secondary school.