Mason Longstaff from the Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland area who was a volunteer with local charity Angel Trust has been convicted. He has been convicted with 18 months suspended sentence and had to sign a SHPO for 10 years. Angel Trust in a statement has said: Recently, social mediaContinue Reading

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Thousands of people will receive their benefit payments earlier than usual this month due to the upcoming bank holidays for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Here’s what you need to know: Why Are Payments Early? Benefit payments are typically not processed on bank holidays. If your paymentContinue Reading

Arriva North East will implement fare changes starting January 1, 2025. In response to customer and stakeholder feedback regarding the complexity of the single fare structure, most single fares in the region will now be set at £1.60 or £1.70 for short trips, £2.30 for slightly longer journeys, and cappedContinue Reading

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Mr Hayhoe began his role on 3 December and will be in post for a fixed-term of one-year. Mr Hayhoe will work across government to draw on the expertise in the Public Sector Fraud Authority, Government Commercial Function, and Department of Health and Social Care to use every means possibleContinue Reading

GPs will be able to spend more time treating patients under proposed reforms to general practice which will bring back the family doctor and slash red tape.   The proposals fall under the new GP contract for 2025/26, which is now out for consultation with the British Medical Association’s General PracticeContinue Reading

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The Prime Minister has today confirmed the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson to be the next British Ambassador to the United States of America.  His Majesty the King approved the appointment on the recommendation of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary.  Lord Mandelson is co-founder of Global Counsel, aContinue Reading

Police have launched a dedicated Retail Crime Squad to tackle shoplifting and anti-social behaviour over the festive period in Gateshead. Started on Monday (December 16), it brings together officers from Northumbria Police’s response and neighbourhood policing teams to address key issues in the town centre and Team Valley. Led byContinue Reading

A new campaign is underway to ramp up efforts to prevent burglary and car crime over the winter months thanks to funding from Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen.  The County Durham and Darlington PCC has invested £18k into Durham Constabulary’s Winter Nights 2024 operation.  The initiative, which runs until January 2025,Continue Reading

A DEVOTED lead nurse from Teesside is helping to shape the future of UK healthcare research after landing a prestigious new role. Nicky Cunningham, from South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been appointed as the regional research setting lead for all hospitals across the North East and North Cumbria.Continue Reading

Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has expressed her shock that young drivers can still purchase illegal and unroadworthy vehicles without compulsory checks following another tragic death.  The County Durham and Darlington PCC met Karen and John Rowlands, from Durham, earlier this week to discuss the tragic death of theirContinue Reading