Making the headlines this week:
Wetheriggs Animal Rescue has been forced to close due to a nearby outbreak of bird flu – forcing the cancellation of the centre’s major fundraising open day
Staff and volunteers at the TCR Hub, in Barnard Castle, are once again on a Christmas mission toensure no-one misses out during the festive season
Highwats officials say measures are being put in place to avoid a repetition of events in Storm Arwen which saw residents on the A66 unable to get past the snow gates
Find out who has made the shortlist in this year’s Teesdale Business Awards
A 1978 VW Beetle which featured in a new film has been given a makeover at a Barnard Castle garage
Members of a dale lunch club bid farewell to the group’s former leader – but the good news is the weekly get-together is due to be relaunched in the new year
Teesdale Operatic Society took to the satge with their debut show – read our verdict on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
In sport, Barnard Castle CC have coming up with an innovative way of ensuring rain helps play continue; plus a round-up of all the indoor leagues
Plus… more of our readers’ Christmas greetings, all your community news, Bob Garton’s weekly quiz, readers’ letters, family announcements, the weekly guide to what’s on and much more
All in this week’s Mercury, which is out now
