Shoppers backed Barney in the run-up to Christmas with many of the town’s traders celebrating a successful festive period.

Two women who admitted multiple animal cruelty offences have had their sentencing moved to crown court because of the severity of their crimes.

A specialist assessment needs to be done before a pedestrian crossing can be considered for Staindrop, parish councillors have been told.

Banter and breakfast is on the cards as a trial of a new men’s club gets under way early in the new year.