Entries by Durham

Tips on how to be a ‘smart shopper’ will be on offer at a series of roadshows which kicks off in County Durham this week. (September 3)
The shows, which run between Friday, September 3 and Saturday, September 11, aim to raise awareness of waste and how to reduce, re-use and recycle it.
Organised by Durham County Council’s strategic waste management team, the roadshows will give top tips for minimising the amount of waste that goes into bins, and specific information about recycling electrical and electronic equipment.
Paula George, projects and campaigns team leader, said:  “We can all do our bit to reduce the amount of rubbish that goes to landfill.
“We hope people will come along to find out how they can continue to reduce waste through smarter shopping, minimising food waste and recycling more household items.”
Running mostly between 10.00am and 3.00pm, the roadshows start at Consett Market on Friday and move on to Wolsingham Show, on Saturday, September 4 from 10.00am to 4.00pm, Peterlee Show, Sunday, September 5 from 10.00am to 4.00pm, Crook Market, Tuesday, September 7, Barnard Castle Market, Wednesday, September 8, Bishop Auckland Market, Thursday, September 9, Chester-le-Street Market, Friday, September 10, and Durham City Market, Saturday, September 11.
Staff will be on hand to answer questions and give more details about the household waste recycling centres in the county.
To find out about opportunities to get involved in the project and make a difference where you live, visit www.durham.gov.uk/aap

Students in County Durham are celebrating record GCSE results.
Early indications show that more than 80 per cent of youngsters across the county have gained five grade A-C passes, a five per cent increase on last year.
A total of 55.4 per cent of youngsters have gained at least five A-C passes, including maths and English.
This is an increase from 48.6 per cent last year and is expected to be above the national average and one of the highest rates in the North East.
This is the eighth year County Durham has seen an increase in pass rates and results are significantly above expectations.
It means that 345 more young people will this year leave school with the qualifications to go on to further education than last year.
Cllr Claire Vasey, Durham County Council Cabinet member for Children and Young People’s Services, said: “I am extremely delighted with these brilliant results, which go to show what can be achieved through a strong partnership between a local authority, schools and young people and their families.
“It is fantastic that so many more young people will have the opportunity to continue into further education with all that that means for their life chances.”
The national average for A-C passes this year is expected to be 64 per cent in English and 58 per cent in maths. This compares to 69 per cent of pupils in County Durham gaining a pass in English and 60 per cent achieving A-C in maths. 
Current information indicates that the best performing school in the county is St Bede’s, in Lanchester, where 76 per cent of students have achieved five A-C passes, including maths and English.
The most improved is Durham Community Business College, Ushaw Moor, which has seen an increase of 27.5 per cent in successful results, with 58.4 per cent of youngsters gaining the required minimum for further education.
Seaham School, which is currently under special measures, meanwhile, is also enjoying success. A total of 54 per cent of students gained 5 A-C grades with maths and English – an increase of 25 per cent on last year.

Teenagers expecting their GCSE results will be able to get expert help to support their future education, employment or training. (Tuesday, August 24)
Personal advisers from Durham County Council’s Connexions County Durham will be available in school and local Connexions offices today.
They will be able to support young people searching for the right course or training opportunity and can also help with creating a CV or making an application.
“At the start of the summer, we crated a vacancy section on the Connexions website www.help4teens.co.uk to produce a weekly bulletin of apprenticeship and job vacancies for each of our local offices,” said Pam Brew from Connexions.
“Personal advisers can also help students use a database of local post-16 learning opportunities and the Apprenticeship Vacancy Matching Service at www.apprenticeships.org.uk which links employers with potential apprentices,” she said.
Young people can make appointments to see specialist advisers at Connexions centres in Consett on 01207 502795, Bishop Auckland on 01388 603468, Durham City on 0191 384 9766 and Peterlee on 0191 586 7551.
 

A new intelligence-led campaign is clamping down on under age sales of alcohol and cigarettes in County Durham.
The new approach by Durham County Council’s trading standards officers has seen a marked increase in the percentage of failed test purchases.
Officers have carried out 38 alcohol and 30 tobacco test purchases in recent months using police intelligence to target likely problem premises in Crook, Stanley, Barnard Castle, Ferryhill and Consett.
Six alcohol sales and five cigarette sales were made to under age volunteers, who now include 15 to 17-year-olds, resulting in a string of fixed penalty notices, written warnings and potential prosecutions.
The campaign is designed to raise awareness and provide help and advice to local businesses as well as identify those who are breaking the law.
Businesses with failed test purchases have been encouraged to improve their procedures to prevent illegal sales and adopt the Challenge 25 scheme which asks retailers to insist on ID being produced by anyone appearing to be 25 or under.
Joanne Waller, the county council’s head of environment, health and consumer protection, said:  “Our commitment to step up action against under-age sales has made an early impact and raised awareness among businesses in the county that they must improve their procedures and staff training to prevent illegal sales.
“It’s clear that staff still do not appreciate how difficult it is to judge the age of teenagers and so should be rigorous in their application of the challenge 25 rule and always ask for identification.
“Follow up visits will be made to all those who made illegal sales and if there are more, prosecution or an application to review a licence will be the likely outcome,” she said.
Cllr Bob Young, the county council’s Cabinet member for strategic environment and leisure, said:  “The council is determined to play a major role in protecting children from the harmful effects of alcohol and tobacco and reduce the incidence of alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour.
“Our work on under age sales with partner agencies such as the police combined with our drive to improve standards of diligence in the retail trade will protect the future health and well being of our communities,”  he said.

Specialist advisers will be out in force in County Durham to help students when A-level results are announced tomorrow. (August 19)
Schools and Connexions County Durham are working together to make sure that students get the help they need to map out their futures.
And because of a limited number of places available and a rise in applications, they expect competition for university places to be extra strong this year.
Connexions will have a personal adviser either in, or available to, every sixth form in the county on Thursday, August 19.
They will work closely with tutors to identify and support students who have not met university entry conditions or who have decided to change direction and take a gap year or an apprenticeship.
As well as getting help in sixth forms, young people will also be able to get specialist advice in Connexions centres in Consett, Bishop Auckland, Durham City and Peterlee.
“Most young people will get the grades they need and have a smooth transition into university but every year, a number of sixth formers just miss out.  Our role is to work with them to help them find the right alternative route,” said Connexions’ Pam Brew.
“Applications are up 11.6* per cent this year with an increased demand for nursing, design and law courses.
“Students who missed out last year are re-applying and universities have limited the number of places available with some already indicating a reduction in the numbers available through clearing.
“For the second year, students who have done better than expected will be able to adjust their application to choose courses that require higher grades which can make the clearing process longer.
“Choosing a course should be a well researched and planned process.  Students who do decide to enter clearing should give as much thought to their choices as they did initially.
“Connexions personal advisers can work with young people to give them guidance and support not only on results day but also in the days following,” she said.
As well as getting help in sixth forms, young people can get specialist advice in Connexions centres in Consett on 01207 502795, Bishop Auckland on 01388 603468, Durham City 0191 384 9766 and Peterlee 0191 586 7551.

Another County Durham entrepreneur has taken a step on the ladder to success by winning a competition aimed at boosting trade in Durham City Centre.
Area Action Partnership (AAP) funding is giving companies a boost via the Stepping Up Project and Jan Hodgson from fledgling project Season-to-Taste is the latest to benefit.
The Stepping Up Durham project is giving budding businessmen and women the chance to win the use of a free market stall in Durham outdoor market for four weeks thanks to £6,850 funding from Durham City AAP.
The project aims to increase the vitality of trade in Durham City Centre whilst giving local businesses a chance to promote their new idea.
Season-to-Taste aims to show keen cooks, from novices to those with a bit more know how, how to make simple and delicious meals and expand their reportoire, giving them more confidence in the kitchen. 
Jan, who lives in Durham, is using the stall to demonstrate her cookery classes, which are offered on a one-on-one basis in the student’s home, and to sell some of her home-made produce.
She said: “It’s going very well, having the opportunity to use the stall has enabled me to sell my own priduce and take my business in a different, exciting direction.
“I am able to offer information about my courses as well as selling healthy, fresh, homemade produce.”
The competition is open to fledgling businesses, which have been operating for less than six months. Judges are representatives from Durham City AAP, Durham County Council, Durham City Forum Ltd and Durham Markets Company.
Previous winner is Gilbert Boswell, from Tow Law, who used the market to promote his business Twisted Metal.
He said: “Since winning the competion I have had lots of positive feedback and quite a few sales and am soon to exhibit my work in a gallery.”
If the scheme is successful it may be rolled out to other markets across the county.
The project is being sponsored by Durham AAP and organised by Durham Markets Company with support from Durham City Forum.
The AAP is one of 14 set up by Durham County Council last year.
Jan is holding a Meditterrenean cookery workshop on August 26 at Lanchester Community Centre and a similar Back to Basics day on September 18.
 

Offenders serving out Community Payback sentences will carry out a host of environmental improvements, thanks to a new partnership between Durham County Council and Durham Tees Valley Probation Trust.
In addition residents are now being asked to nominate local projects which they would like to see benefit from the scheme.
Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and partnerships, Cllr Brian Stephens, explains more:” This initiative has so much potential. It means residents will see improvements in the heart of their communities, at no cost, and offenders will carry out their payback in a really worthwhile way.
“In no way will these working groups replace the dedicated streetscene staff but it means a whole host of additional work can be undertaken.
“I feel sure our 14 Area Action Partnerships can play an important role in helping residents nominate projects they would like to see benefit, and look forward to lots of suggestions coming through.”
The council’s head of direct services is Oliver Sherratt:”I am really pleased that this partnership is already bearing fruit. The first project, at the Riverside football pitch in Chester-le-Street, is now complete and there are several more in the pipeline.
“I am sure many residents will have great ideas as to how this initiative can benefit their local communities and I would urge them to get in touch with us and let us know about them.”
The completion of the first project under the new partnership has resulted in some significant improvements to the football pitch area of the Riverside.
This work was initiated by council staff and police, following complaints from the public regarding anti-social behaviour beside a popular walkway and play area for children.
Concerns were raised that groups of young people were congregating in a particular area, drinking alcohol, leaving litter and generally causing a nuisance.
Thanks to this partnership supervised offenders carrying out unpaid work, as part of Community Payback, have completed a range of tasks including cutting back the tree canopy and shrubbery, strimming high grass and litter picking. All this means the area can now be clearly seen from the road so patrolling police and neighbourhood wardens are able to spot any potential issues before they become a public nuisance.
David Eggleston, lead manager for Durham Tees Valley Probation Trust said: “It is important that members of the public have confidence in community sentences and can see that offenders sentenced to complete unpaid work hours, do so to the benefit of the communities that they have offended against.
“This new arrangement with Durham County Council provides a structure that enables the public to have a say in what sort of work offenders should be doing to complete their court order.” 
Local people can nominate projects either by phoning the unpaid work manager for their area: Consett, Chester-le-Street, Durham and Peterlee projects contact Ken Hounam 0191 388 7951 and Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland projects contact Helen Crosby 01325 486231, or by going online at www.dtvprobation.org.uk - following the Community Payback link and filling in a nomination form.
 

Everything in the garden is rosy for the green-fingered winners of an annual competition.
Amateur gardeners at care venues and day centres across County Durham are celebrating after achieving success in the CREATE gardens contest 2010.
Organised by Durham County Council, the competition recognises the hard work of tenants, service users and staff in developing and maintaining their gardens.
A total of 11 awards are being handed out, with this year’s winners including a seaside-themed garden, a patriotic floral display and an imaginative artwork trail.
The competition is judged by local volunteers Margaret Willis and Mary Smith.
“After four years, this was my final time of judging, but with entries being such high quality, experience didn’t make the task any easier,” Mary said.
Fellow judge Margaret added; “I feel privileged to have been involved in CREATE’s competition as it highlights the commitment of service users and staff and gives us the opportunity to reward their achievements.”
The winners have been invited to collect their awards at a ceremony at County Hall, Durham, on Tuesday, 10 August.

Garden of the Year – The Local Company, Consett
Staff and service users have combined skill and imagination to transform a school playground into a welcoming garden.
Special feature (large) – The Local Company, Consett
Driftwood and planting has been used to give a special section of the garden a seaside theme.
Special feature (small) – McNally House day Centre, Peterlee
A raised bed and containers have been planted with red and white bedding plants to celebrate England’s entry into the World Cup in South Africa.
Best entrance – Hackworth House Day Centre, Shildon
 A huge array of hanging baskets and containers welcomes visitors to the centre.
Best containers – Maple Court, Consett
The quality and quantity of containers wowed the judges on their visit to Maple Court.
Most improved garden – Charles Dickens Lodge, Barnard Castle
Staff and service users have worked hard to miraculously transform their garden.
Best vegetable/fruit area – The Oaks Centre, Newton Aycliffe
The centre’s allotment has been nurtured to produce a variety of fruit and vegetables.
Miniature garden – Mima Broadbent, Sycamore Lodge, Spennymoor
Mima took judges back to their youth with amazing works of art and attention to detail.
Gardener of the Year (individual service user) – Tom Smith, Southfield Lodge, Crook
A tireless worker, Tom has created a vibrant garden, containing a huge array of ornaments and plants.
Gardener of the Year (service user group) – Hackworth House Day Centre, Shildon
Everyone at the centre was involved in the development of the garden, where service users also show off their artwork.
The Alison Maughan Special Award – Shinwell Centre, Peterlee
This new award is presented to the entry that has particularly impressed the judges, who felt that everyone who attends the Shinwell Centre had worked together to deliver an outstanding project.

A ‘canny’ guess helped a Bishop Auckland youngster ride off with the top prize in a competition.
Alice Parsons correctly identified the exact number of cans in a glass tank to win a brand new BMX bike.
The 11-year-old entered the competition at the launch of the Environment Partnership in Millennium Place, Durham.
Almost 7,000 people attended the event, which saw partner organisations offering advice and information about their services.
Natalie Davies, Durham County Council civic pride officer, said: “The launch day was extremely successful with lots of people coming along to find out more about the partnership.
“We received hundreds of entries for the bike competition but Alice was the only one who correctly guessed that there were exactly 2,614 cans in the tank.”
The Environment Partnership aims to help and support residents right across the county make their communities greener and cleaner places to be.
The launch day also saw activities ranging from free dog microchipping to graffiti removal in the 14 Area Action Partnership locations around the county.
The prize presented to Alice was donated by Direct Car Parts, Framwellgate Moor.

A new handbook for council tenants in Durham city will feature the work of seven budding young artists.
Durham City Homes has recruited the help of local youngsters to add some colour to its new tenant’s handbook.
Children at schools and Sure Start centres in the city were challenged to come up with a design for the front cover and inside pages of the publication.
More than 70 entries were submitted but members of the organisation’s board and tenants’ panel have chosen six winning designs.
The winners were Dominic Ross, Harry Dowding and Elizabeth Griffiths, all 11, from Kelloe Primary School; Niall Fingleton, also 11, from Laurel Avenue Primary School; Kristian Ghiotti, 4, from Ushaw Moor Sure Start; and Harley Pallas, 2, and Archie Owens, 1, from Brandon Sure Start, who submitted a joint entry.
The youngsters were each awarded a £25 shopping voucher during a special presentation event at Durham Town Hall.