Thanks to funding secured through the Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership, Newton News published and distributed a Coronavirus Information ‘special edition’ of the weekly publication.

Great Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership have been allocated £100,000 to help support groups who are working hard to provide support to those most in need.

The Newton News were successful in applying and securing £750 to help them publish the special edition and distribute copies to vulnerable residents within the area. There were also additional copies made available to the general public to collect at various local outlets.

Paul Howarth, Newton News Director said: “Through funding from Newton Aycliffe and Middridge Partnership and a contribution from Paul Howell MP, we were able to produce a Covid-19 special edition of the Newton News and organise to have it delivered to the towns’ most vulnerable residents through a network of local volunteers and retail outlets in the town.”

“These residents rely on the weekly publication for local information, as the majority do not have access to social media or the internet. The funding enabled us to provide a vital edition containing information for those who may need to access help and support during the pandemic.”

The Newton News continues to publish a weekly edition however due to current government guidelines the paper is not being delivered to households, but is available online on the website www.newtonnews.co.uk.

For further information on support in the area please check www.durhamlocate.org.uk or call 03000 260 260