Andrea Stephenson

A project to restore 213 hectares of rare coastal habitat in County Durham has been launched with nearly £1m of funding.Durham County Council has partnered with the National Trust and Durham Wildlife Trust to deliver the Coastal Grasslands Reconnected Project.The project, which has received £975,000 from the Government’s Species Survival Fund, will create and restore the wildflower-rich Magnesian Limestone grasslands along the county’s coastline from Noses Point to Horden.It will also involve th

A former JP Morgan executive is at the helm of bid to buy a stake in North East-based challenger bank Atom, it has been reported.Sanjiv Somani, who led the US giant's digitally only Chase UK bank until last year, is leading investment firm Lexham Partners, which was set up last year by venture capitalist Dominic Perks. The firm is said to be negotiating the purchase of a stakeholding from existing shareholders.he move, which was first reported by Sky News, means Mr Somani - who also led digital

Durham County Council is ready to keep the region’s roads clear and safe with a fleet of 87 gritters and snow blowers all set for the colder weather.The council has already taken delivery of 42,000 tonnes of salt across its depots to tackle any snow and ice on the county’s priority routes, with thousands of salt bins also replenished across key community locations.Cllr John Shuttleworth, Cabinet member for highways, rural communities and community safety, said: “We are fully committed to ensurin

What did our critic think of A DOG'S LIFE at Hanover Little Theatre?

The Bishop Auckland & Shildon Networking Event took place on Thursday 21st November, drawing a dynamic mix of businesses to the historic Locomotion in Shildon, County Durham. Set against the iconic backdrop of the Flying Scotsman, the event provided an excellent platform for attendees to connect, share opportunities, and build their professional networks.Running from 8:30 am to 10:30 am, the event was attended by businesses from Bishop Auckland, Shildon, and the surrounding areas. The morning wa

Residents and businesses are being asked to have their say on their feelings for and interactions with Bishop Auckland to help support its ongoing regeneration.Durham County Council has launched a consultation to gather views on how people who live or work in, or visit Bishop Auckland feel about the town. The council has been delivering projects within the town as part of the Stronger Towns Fund from Government. As the Bishop Auckland regeneration programme progresses, the council wants to hear

Ken Ludwig 's ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas is an adorable story that follows Emily, a young girl whose Best Friend is Amos the Mouse, as they

This entire production of Beauty and the Beast is everything that fans of the story could hope for. The cast and crew of Keystone Theatrics have put together a performance this reviewer could see over and over again.

A North East council has secured a prestigious national climate change award while retaining its green accreditation for the third year running.Durham County Council triumphed in the Best Carbon Reduction category at this year’s Investors in the Environment Awards in recognition of the significant steps it has taken to tackle climate change.Judges were impressed by the breadth of activity underway at the council, which has led to a 64 per cent (50,000 tonne) reduction in carbon emissions since 2

The heart and soul that this cast and crew put into the 25th year of A Christmas Carol at Open Stage is a testament to the staying power of the show itself as well as to the magic that Open Stage creates with every production.