Making the news this week:
Former England international footballer Dave Thomas has set himself a new goal – to raise £100,000 for the charity Guide Dogs UK
Lord Barnard has outlined the full scope of work as part of the redevelopment of the Raby Estate, which he has dubbed The Rising
As part of the Raby Estate work, historic Gainford Hall will be offered as a residential let once repairs are completed
A draw organised by Barnard Castle Workingmen’s Club has raised more than £1,200 for a poorly Barnard Castle girl
Problems with electrical connections has put a question mark over Barnard Castle’s Christmas light display this year
A 100-year-old oak tree which was damaged in a lightning strike is “good for a few more years” after experts examined it
A fundraising drive to raise cash for a community bus in Staindrop has stepped up a gear
Two dale primary schools have received cash to improve outdoor facilities
A community garden is being brought back to life in Startforth
In sport, Barnard Castle CC put in two superb performances to progress to the quarter-finals of the national T20 cup; plus swimming, bowls, football, gold, athletics and village cricket
In rural news, the Teesdale Special Flora Research and Conservation Trust has received £222,000 to help fight the decline of the upper dale’s rare plants and a new group has been formed to brighten up Evenwood
Plus… readers’ letters, Bob Garton’s quiz, family notices, what’s on… and more
All in this week’s Mercury, out now
