News from the North East in 2025: September to December
The Northern Echo marked the anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, pushed for Maya's Law and reported on horrifying findings from an inquiry into the now closed Medomsley Detention Centre. Here's a glimpse at some of the stories that defined the North East from September to December 2025.
September
September 1
Children accused of sexual offences in Darlington schools
The Northern Echo started September with an investigation that revealed children as young as seven have been accused of sex offences in Darlington schools - with at least 50 reported in the last five years. An investigation by the Echo also found there were five reports of sexual assaults on girls under 13 in schools between January and June this year alone.
Two children - aged 11 and 12 - and a 24-year-old were also identified as suspects in rape investigations at schools across the borough in the last five years. Click here to read the full article.[1] 
September 7
Thousands take part in the annual Great North Run
Around 60,000 runners pounded the tarmac as they took on the Great North Run on September 7. The world-famous annual half marathon saw runners, including celebrities, tackle the 13.1-mile course from Newcastle to South Shields. Amongst the participants were TV personal trainer Joe Wicks, , TV presenter Jenni Falconer, and Love Island's Tommy Fury, who all took to the streets of the North East passing communities who came out to support participants.
However, it wasn't just the run that made headlines. Bosses apologised after thousands of medals featuring a map of Sunderland - not Newcastle - were dished out to racers. 
Man arrested after devastating fire at MP Sharon Hodgson's office
Politicians from across the region slammed an "appalling" fire at the office of a North East MP. The office of Sharon Hodgson, Labour MP for Washington and Gateshead South, went up in flames on the morning of September 11.
Northumbria Police cordoned off the office, on Vermont House in Concord, Washington and confirmed a man in his 20s had been arrested on suspicion of arson and criminal damage. Oliver, 28, was charged with arson of Vermont House, Washington, with the damage estimated at between GBP250,000 to GBP500,000.d He admitted arson on the basis that he was reckless.
He has yet to be sentenced. 
September 15
The Northern Echo backs the fight for Maya's Law
The family of a two-year-old County Durham girl who was murdered in 2022 by her mother's abusive partner launched a campaign for the urgent reform of child safeguarding laws. Michael Daymond, 27, fatally injured Maya Chappell at her Shotton Colliery home after he lost control of his temper. Daymond shook Maya after he learned his benefits had been stopped and drug dealers were putting pressure on him over a debt.
He was jailed for life in 2023, and the judge described him as a 'monster'. 
September 20 and 29
The North East and The Northern Echo mark S&DR200
A bumper package of events took place between September 20 and 29 to mark 200 years since the birth of the passenger railway - the Stockton and Darlington Railway. A Locomotion No 1 replica crossed the world's oldest working railway bridge, the Skerne Bridge, recreating the first journey the engine took exactly two centuries ago. Darlington was alive with music, food stalls and brass bands as people of all ages gathered at Skerne Bridge for the historic moment.
A number of other commemorative events also took part across the region, from Locomotion in Shildon to the Hitachi factory in Newton Aycliffe. 
October
October 4
Body found in search for missing Darlington woman Mavis
On September 16, 62-year-old Mavis Vinicombe went missing from her home in Darlington.
She left her home in the Haughton area, and was last spotted on CCTV leaving South Park just after 1.30pm that day. Her disappearance sparked a major search across a number of weeks involving police and mountain rescue teams. But tragically, her body was pulled from the River Tees at Preston Park on October 4.
An inquest was opened into the factory worker's death by Senior Coroner for County Durham and Darlington Jeremy Chipperfield on November 6. A short hearing in Spennymoor heard a post-mortem examination concluded she died from drowning. Her full inquest will be heard on January 30, 2026.
Teen killer jailed for life after murdering Bishop dad Craig Yorke
In October, a teen was jailed for life for the murder of a Bishop Auckland dad when a long-running feud erupted into fatal violence.
Jack Lawson, of of Surtees Drive, Willington, stabbed Craig Yorke three times when two groups of friends clashed in the early hours of the morning on December 14, 2024 following several hours of 'cat and mouse' activity. The 18-year-old was determined to organise a one-on-one fist fight with Jack Richardson and spent hours rallying his friends as he pursued his rival around Bishop Auckland and Shildon. And then the two groups finally met up on a field in Eldon Lane and an explosion of violence left Mr Yorke, 28, fighting for his life.
Teesside Crown Court heard how Mr Yorke staggered to nearby housing in a desperate attempt to get medical help before collapsing in the street and dying despite the best efforts of medics. Lawson was sentenced to life for murder and must serve a minimum of 18 years before he can apply for parole. 
October 16
Organisers confirm Durham's Lumiere 2025 will be the last
Organisers in October confirmed that this year's Durham Lumiere light festival would be the final edition, and would light up Durham for one last time from November 13 to 15. Lumiere began in 2009 and attracted more than a million visitors to the city as well as bringing in GBP43 million for the local economy. Helen Marriage, chief executive officer of producer Artichoke, said: "The decision to end Lumiere in Durham (was not) taken lightly."
The decision shocked both business owners, politicians and residents alike who said they were "gutted" to hear the news. Following the announcement, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness demanded answers surrounding the cancellation, declaring: "People want to know who made this decision, when and why?" 
October 20
Darlington nurses trust tribunal over trans policy begins
Bethany Hutchison, Lisa Lockey, Annice Grundy and Tracey Hooper are four of the eight nurses at Darlington Memorial Hospital who said they are being left feeling 'unsafe' when getting ready for work. As a result, the group of nurses from County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust (CDDFT) lodged an employment tribunal case for sexual discrimination and sexual harassment which kicked off on October 20. The claim relates specifically to Rose Henderson, a transgender woman, who used women's changing facilities.
Giving evidence, Rose said: "I am not the individual (the claimants) have painted me to be" and described how "upsetting" it had been to see "hordes of people" posting insults online after the case came to public attention. Sitting in Newcastle, employment tribunal judge Seamus Sweeney heard closing submissions from the claimants in early November and said a decision would not be made before Christmas. 
October 26
Durham University Student dies after being struck by car
Abigail Eggleston, 22, was crossing the A167 at Neville's Cross in Durham shortly before 2am on October 26 when she was hit by a car. The Durham University student was taken to Newcastle's RVI with head and chest injuries but died a short time later, despite the efforts of medics. Abigail was studying law and moved to Durham from Northamptonshire.
In a heartbreaking tribute, her family said: "You were on track to conquer the world. A constant ray of sunshine, always looking on the bright side of life and reflecting your warm glow upon anyone fortunate enough to have known and loved you. "Such a beautiful, kind, strong go-getter, we will forever remain so incredibly proud.
Always ready to help others with your endless loving support, advice, and encouragement, selflessly prioritising people's happiness above your own. "A constant ray of sunshine always looking on the bright side of life and reflecting your warm glow upon anyone fortunate enough to have known and loved you." On November 25, Liam Stephen Bowes pleaded guilty to causing her death by dangerous driving.
Appearing at Durham Crown Court, via video link from HMP Holme House in Stockton, the 37-year-old also admitted perverting the course of justice by setting fire to the Volkswagen Golf he was driving at the time of the crash. Bowes, formerly of Eastern Avenue, Langley Park, also admitted driving without insurance and failing to stop. The business owner is set to be sentenced on March 2, 2026, at Teesside Crown Court.
November
November 10
The North East falls silent on Remembrance Sunday
Thousands gathered across the North East to honour the fallen on Remembrance Sunday, with poignant ceremonies held in Darlington, Durham and Sunderland. Wearing poppies and medals with pride, serving personnel, cadets and politicians laid wreaths at memorials on November 9 in moving tributes to those who served in the World Wars and later conflicts. King Charles III led the nation in honouring veterans, laying the first wreath at the Cenotaph in London.
He was joined by son, Prince William, and other members of the Royal family who paid tribute at a ceremony attended by thousands. In Darlington, a service at Holy Trinity Church was followed by a solemn procession to the town's cenotaph at Darlington Memorial Hospital. 
November 13
Survivors speak of how 'hell on earth' abuse scarred lives at detention centre
The harrowing and graphic details of the sexual and physical abuse suffered by victims at the hands of detention officers in County Durham were laid bare earlier this year. More than 2,000 victims came forward when an investigation was launched into more than 25 years of abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre until it closed its gates in 1987. After Operation Seabrook began in August 2013 a total 2,077 victims came forward to Durham Police to lodge complaints about their traumatic experiences.
The young men detained there - known as trainees - said the physical abuse started as soon as they arrived at the centre near Consett. Many suffered further physical and sexual abuse on a daily basis. One of the worst offenders, Neville Husband, was described in a report into the abuse as "possibly the most prolific sex offender in British history".
Bishop Auckland Rugby Club 'heartbroken' after floods wipe out pitches and revenue
Bishop Auckland Rugby Club grounds were left submerged after the River Wear burst its banks on December 9, throwing the clubs packed schedule into chaos during the height of the playing season. Gareth John, 41, junior chair of the club for ten years, said the committee were "absolutely gutted" after the floods brought all scheduled sessions to a standstill.
Just days after the flooding, vandals on off-road bikes proceeded to tear up the site. To help bring the pitch back to its former glory, a fundraiser was launched hoping to raise GBP15,000. It has exceeded all expectations thanks to the "kindness and support" of the community.
Work on the site has now begun and the club is expecting to welcome teams back to the grounds. 
Damning report into NHS breast surgery service laid bare number of failings
In late November, the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) apologised after a damning report into its breast surgery service found cancers were missed and unnecessary procedures carried out.
The independent external review said it was a "call to action" and that sustained leadership commitment, transparent reporting, and independent oversight were essential to ensure the failures "are never repeated and that the trust delivers the standard of care its patients deserve". The review, commissioned by CDDFT and led by governance expert Mary Aubrey, revealed a decade of systemic governance and clinical failures within the trust's breast surgery service.
December
December 4
Plans to demolish 112 Horden homes given the green light by council
A woman said she'll stand in front of bulldozers to stop her home of 60 years from being demolished after plans to flatten the street were approved.
112 homes on Third and Fifth Street in Horden will be reduced to rubble as part of a GBP10.7m regeneration project plans to build 105 new homes. The plans were given the green light on December 3 by Durham County Council's planning committee despite fierce opposition from residents. Moira Bellingham, who has lived on Third Street for 60 years, told the Echo: "They can send the bulldozer straight through the house and I'll still be stood there.
"They will have to kill me," The scheme, first announced in 2019, has been branded a "catalyst for change", spurred on by one in ten homes standing empty and boarded up, and the area is plagued by anti-social behaviour. But for those living in homes marked for demolition, the decision came as a bitter blow as they will have to relocate.
More than a dozen came out ahead of the meeting to protest the plans, holding placards outside the council's HQ calling for the homes to be refurbished rather than demolished. 
Public inquiry into troubled TEWV NHS trust confirmed after years of campaigning
Years of failings at the region's scandal-hit mental health trust will finally be put under the microscope after the Health Secretary answered calls for a full public inquiry this month.
Wes Streeting announced the news to grieving families who have spent years campaigning for a probe into the Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys (TEWV) NHS trust as he met them in Darlington on December 11. 
The Northern Echo has been campaigning alongside families to demand a statutory public inquiry, and included it in our election manifesto last year, which was backed by the Labour Government.
TEWV has repeatedly said it would "co-operate fully as required with openness and transparency" with any inquiry.
References
- ^ Click here to read the full article. (www.thenorthernecho.co.uk)