Parish councillors in Gainford and Staindrop have taken the first legal steps in a bid to challenge Durham County Council's decision to grant planning permission for large housing estates in the villages. Money raised from the developments would be used to fund a revamp of the park and gardens at Raby Castle
The manager of Barnard Castle's arts centre is to leave the post after two years
Fundraiser Katie Metcalfe is hoping to complete a million steps in 40 days to raise £1,000 for the Great North Air Ambulance
A new group has come forward in Cotherstone with plans to resurrect the village shop
Rotarians are spearheading a campaign to ensure children across the dale have decent IT kit so they can access lessons at home
Officials behind a scheme to provided Startforth and Boldron with superfast broadband are urging residents to sign up
In rural news, dale farmer Carl Stephenson was returned unopposed to serve a third and final term as a board member of British Wool
In What's On, officials of the Highlights Rural Touring Scheme have unveiled their spring line-up, saying they do so with "an air of optimism over adversity".
Radio presenter Liz Franklin takes part in this week's Q&A feature
In sport, good news at the double for Raby Castle CC, which has secured two welcome grants
Plus... a bumper selection of readers' letters, family announcements, puzzles, Bob Garton's weekly quiz and much more, all in this week's paper.
