Peterlee and Horden - Down Your Way

At a unique regional awards ceremony at Beamish Museum, Apollo Studio Academy was recognised for its outstanding work in changing lives through the youth movement National Citizen Service (NCS). Beating off stiff competition from 34 County Durham schools, Apollo Studio Academy scooped a NCS North East Star School Award, which was presented to Principal Sally Hudson by Elonie West, 16, a student at the school and graduate of the scheme. A dozen leadership teams from schools across the region attended the NCS North East Schools Awards 2016. They were joined by decision makers from the education, youth and voluntary sectors '“ showcasing local commitment to maximising the benefits of the Government-backed programme for young people in County Durham and beyond. In total, 12 schools, one from each local authority in the region, picked up an award in recognition of their successes in empowering their pupils to take part in the transformative scheme. Scores of teenagers made the exclusive event a success by hosting, handing out awards and networking with influential guests. NCS graduate Harriet Shaw, 19, compered the evening alongside Joe Johnson, 17, and said: 'This really shows what NCS is all about. Young people making a real difference.' Also speaking at the event were members of Team Brah, an award winning group of young people, who have continued their LGBTQ awareness-raising campaign since kick-starting the project on NCS in 2015. Emma Ramshaw, an inspirational NCS team leader, spoke movingly about how the programme had changed her life.

Apollo Studio Academy Principal Sally Hudson receiving an award from Elonie West, academy graduate.

Roseby Road Wellbeing Centre thanks everyone who donated to the British Lung Foundation event and attended the Big Breakfast and enjoyed a cuppa, a cake and a chat. They made just over £97.

East Durham Trust FEED project is looking for volunteer drivers to help collect donations and essential items to support the project. Have you got a little time to spare to help out? Contact Colin, at East Durham Trust, on 0191 5693511 or send a private message on Facebook and someone will get in touch with you.

Roseby Road Wellbeing Centre which held a fundraising big breakfast in aid of British Lung Foundation.

Three former East Durham College Sixth Form (ED6) students spent an afternoon catching up with their former lecturers and inspiring new students ahead of their return to university later this month. Sarj Dhillon, 19, Alice Ridsdale, 19, and Courtney Graham, 20, all left the college in June 2015, starting university courses later that year after successfully passing their A-level courses. Sarj, went on to study Chemical Engineering at Lancaster University, Alice is studying Cardiac Physiology at the University of Sunderland and Courtney is at University of Cumbria studying Animal Conservation Science. All three have successfully passed the first year of their degrees and are set to start their second year, but were happy to go along and share their.

A Psychic Evening will be held at Roseby Road Wellbeing Centre, Horden, on Friday, November 25, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £12 on the door or £10 in advance from the venue or www.debrachalmers.co/ or on 01915181160. Space is limited.

East Durham Trust has seen some great donations from the local area to support the FEED project. Thanks to Pepsi Co Walkers factory staff in Peterlee for their generous donation.

Peterlee Walking Club organises graded walks each month for all abilities and transport is usually arranged by the club, leaving from Peterlee Lodge car park on Sunday at 8.30am. The next walk will be on November 20 to Saltburn. For information ring 0191 5863009.