3+ hour, 44+ min ago  (360+ words) Thousands of people approaching retirement age are facing a longer wait for their free bus pass after a major rule change linked to the rising State Pension age. The change affects people in England whose eligibility for an older person's…...

4+ hour, 17+ min ago  (325+ words) Families have begun to settle into newly built homes in County Durham designed with affordability and sustainability in mind. The properties are part of the Seaham Garden Village development, delivered by Karbon Homes, which recently marked two years since construction…...

1+ hour, 21+ min ago  (464+ words) A "reckless" builder whose company set a customer's house ablaze after burning rubbish in the garden has been fined "765. Mos Building Services, on Cliftonville Avenue, had been employed to renovate the home on Hampstead Road, in Elswick, Newcastle, when a…...

1+ hour, 27+ min ago  (224+ words) Residents were evacuated after a car was set alight on the driveway of a home - with police now hunting for two off-road bikers. Emergency services were called to Derby Street in Stockton last night (July 8) after a "suspicious" fire broke…...

4+ hour, 17+ min ago  (449+ words) One of the North East's biggest independent music festivals is set to return, it has been announced. Summer Sound Music Festival, held in Guisborough, will take place on July 11 and July 12. The event is expected to draw around 5, 000 visitors despite…...

4+ hour, 17+ min ago  (713+ words) The search is on for the unsung heroes of County Durham " and we want you to nominate the special people who change people's lives for the better." Nominations have opened for the 2026 Northern Echo County Durham Together Awards." And once…...

4+ hour, 17+ min ago  (470+ words) The countdown is on to the return of one of the region's biggest music celebrations. The Durham Brass Festival begins this weekend and promises seven days of concerts, collaborations, free events, and street performances. This year's festival marks the 20th anniversary…...

5+ hour, 10+ min ago  (94+ words) Police are searching for a missing woman last seen in Stanley." Officers are concerned for the welfare of Natalie, who was last seen in the County Durham town on Wednesday evening (July 8)." The 35-year-old - who has links to Stanley, Lanchester,…...

6+ hour, 47+ min ago  (522+ words) A new strategy is being drawn up to help children in care in North Yorkshire grow up closer to their families, friends, schools and communities. The draft homes for children sufficiency strategy, developed by North Yorkshire Council, sets out plans…...

7+ hour, 17+ min ago  (190+ words) A Richmond caf" is seeking a licence to sell alcohol, according to a public notice. Easby Loop Caf", at The Old Stables, Easby, has submitted an application to North Yorkshire Council under the Licensing Act 2003. The application, filed by Nicholas…...