Francis Redwood

A charity concert featuring the Durham Police Brass Band will be held at St Mary's Church in Bishop Auckland on 14 August, with proceeds supporting Marie Curie's end-of-life nursing care in the local area. Tickets cost £7.50 for adults and £1 for children. The event is organized by the Bishop Auckland Fundraising Group of Marie Curie, which has raised more than £200,000 since 2013.

Hundreds of wild orchids have appeared among the ruins and riverbanks of Fountains Abbey after mowing practices changed in 2024, following filming of Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later. National Trust archaeologist Mark Newman said the flowers’ concentration in particular areas has prompted investigation into how centuries of excavation, landscaping and topsoil movement may have shaped the site. The precise reason for the orchids’ emergence remains uncertain, highlighting the continuing links between the abbey’s natural and archaeological histories.

The paddling pool at Bebra Gardens in Knaresborough has reopened in time for the summer holidays after refurbishment prompted by issues found during routine maintenance checks. Work included removing old paint, treating and recoating surfaces, and inspecting the drainage system. North Yorkshire Council said similar improvements have been completed at paddling pools in Ripon and Harrogate, which have also reopened.