GESTAMP APPROVAL: Durham County Council has given planning permission to Gestamp Tallent to re-develop part of their site in Newton Aycliffe. The company will demolish Plant 1 at the site between Groat Road and Skerne Road, where they make parts for cars, and replace it with a larger workshop.

WILLINGTON WINDOWS: Willington Community Action Centre on High Street in Willington has won the best-dressed Christmas shop window competition. The contest was run by the HOPE group and was judged by Reverend Matt Tarlin from St Paul’s in Spennymoor. A spokeswoman for the group said: “Thanks to all the shops who took part, their efforts brighten up the High Street at this festive time.”

FUNDS RAISED: The Carer and Toddler group who meet in Willington Methodist Church raised £145 with a Christmas raffle for the Open Door Fund, which is raising funds to build a new church in Lydia Street.

BEAR CONTEST: A name the bear contest and Christmas fair at the Nicole Ivy gift shop in Crook raised £120 for the Butterwick Hospice. The large toy polar bear was eventually named Miles with the winner being Claire Mapp. More than 40 children visited Father Christmas in his temporary grotto in the shop.

ART CLASSES: A fortnightly art class will start at the Community Centre on Butterwick Road in Fishburn on Monday, January 13. The sessions run from 1pm to 3pm with the course costing £24 for five classes. The course is for artists of all levels of expertise, for more information contact Andy Taylor on 0191-3732485 or visit durhamartworks.co.uk.

SLEEPING BEAUTY: A Sleeping Beauty pantomime will be performed at Bishop Auckland Town Hall at 7pm from Thursday, January 9, to Saturday, January 11. Tickets cost £7 from bath@durham.gov.uk or 03000-269524.

FARM CONVERSION: Durham County Council has approved plans to convert a 17th Century farmhouse that was turned into a granary into a home at High Shittlehope Farm in Shittlehopeburn, Weardale. The authority has also approved the demolition of three outbuildings and the construction of a garage. The farmhouse was converted into an agricultural store room in the 20th Century. The council has also approved the conversion of a barn into two homes at the farm.