Alex Windle succeeded Andrew Craddock as CEO as the Society celebrated its 170th anniversary at a well-attended annual general meeting at the ARC – Stockton Arts Centre.

Mr Windle, who was previously chief customer officer at West Brom Building Society, said: “It’s clear that the Darlington is in a strong position, and remains true to its roots as a regional, mutual building society.

“In the short term, the full impact of the wars in Iran and Ukraine on the economy, housing market, and customers is not clear, and the global outlook is uncertain and unpredictable.

“At the same time, the speed of technological development, in areas such as artificial intelligence, is rapidly reshaping financial services and customers’ expectations.

“This will present both challenges and opportunities for the Society and our members that we are well placed to take advantage of.”

The Society celebrated a milestone year in 2025, reaching more than £1bn in total assets – an increase of nearly 10 per cent from £935m at the end of 2024 – while also breaking through the £1m mark for charitable grants distributed since 2017 through the annual pledge to donate 5 per centof profits to local good causes.

The Society’s core operating profit before tax in 2025 was £3.7m compared to £3m in 2024.

The Society also achieved its highest ever gross mortgage lending of £234m, a 58 per cent increase on 2024, with 40% of the record figure supporting first-time buyers.

The Society’s retail savings book increased to £939m compared to £853m at the end of 2024.

Over the past three years, more than £12m additional interest has been paid to the Society’s savers than if they had received the market average interest rate.

Rachel Court, reporting on the end of her first year as chair, paid tribute to Andrew Craddock for his leadership, dedication to the region, and for “truly immersing himself in the local community” over his seven years as CEO after relocating from Buckinghamshire.

“Andrew leaves the Society in robust good health, and we wish him all the very best in his retirement,” she said.

Mr Craddock said: “It has been an immense privilege and honour to work with so many talented and dedicated colleagues, serving the community in such a special part of the country.

“I’m proud to have played a part in the vast legacy of Darlington Building Society, and I am certain, under Alex’s stewardship, the Society will continue to ascend new heights.

“I will be watching with encouragement and pride.”

Carol Charlton, chair of trustees of St Teresa’s Hospice, one of the many charities to have been supported by Darlington Building Society, was guest speaker.

“Darlington Building Society has been instrumental in helping us right from the beginning when we were founded 40 years ago, donating £120,000, and enabling us to develop specialist rooms for in-patients and to buy much-needed equipment,” she said.

She also praised the Society’s “wonderful staff” for contributing almost 200 hours of volunteering over the past year alone.

A poultry farmer has issued a complaint after 140 of his chickens died from ‘loud music’ at a wedding nearby.

On April 25, a wedding was underway in Uttar Pradesh for the daughter of local resident Babban Vishwakarma, with the procession walking through the small village.

Sabir Ali, who operates a poultry farm right near the village, told police the procession walked past his farm around 9.30pm, panicking his chickens.

‘The noise was so intense that the chickens got frightened and died,’ he said.

After his complaint, police said they are investigating the wedding DJ, Kavi Yadav, to see if his bass speakers were above the sound limit.

DJ Yadav and the farmer haven’t commented further on the ongoing investigation, but Ali says that 140 of his chickens died as a result of the loud music.

Loud music, especially at a high pitch, can kill animals, cause hearing damage and cause them to enter a state of severe distress.

In fact, it’s believed nearly 80% of pets have suffered anxiety symptoms, triggered by things such as traffic and people, to being left home alone, loud noises, or changes to their own environment.

The Humane Slaughter Organisation identifies a few things that can cause animals to enter distress.

These include unfamiliar surroundings, noise, isolation, other animals making noise, overcrowding, lack of food, extreme cold and heat, confinement, and lack of water.

‘Although many animals might be able to tolerate a single stressor for a short period of time, multiple stressors over a long period of time may lead to distress and suffering,’ it added.

Most pets, like dogs and cats, are afraid of loud noises like fireworks. Even wild animals can experience severe stress from loud noises.

In 2016, an animal rights group said a live music event at a zoo left the lions stressed out.

Follow Metro on WhatsApp to be the first to get all the latest news

Metro’s on Whatsapp! Join our community for breaking news and juicy stories.

Bristol Zoo Gardens’ recent ‘Big Night Out’, which involves loud live music and alcohol and gives guests access to the animals, was under fire after the allegation.

The lions were filmed pacing back and forth inside of their zoo enclosure, clearly stressed.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE: One in 50 million lobster that’s half black and half orange has been found off Cape Cod

MORE: Billionaire’s son offers to rehome Pablo Escobar’s cocaine hippos

MORE: Mum discovers two goats living in her garden shed that her daughter bought her

It is still hard to get your head around the reality that had Mainoo been granted his wish, he would be playing for Napoli now – or that if United had not changed their manager in January, he would have been pushing for an alternative loan move.

One of the most bizarre aspects of Amorim’s tenure was that it robbed United of not only a homegrown player but one of a limited number capable of being part of a team that could deliver enough positive results to get them into the Champions League.

Mainoo did not start a Premier League game under Amorim this season. Apart from one because of injury, he has not failed to start one since he left.

Captain Bruno Fernandes could break the Premier League assist record this season but had Amad Diallo finished as he should have done against Brentford on Monday, Mainoo would have got the assist of the season for his mazy dribble and lay-off in the opening minutes.

At 21, he still has much to learn, with much development to come. That is the key point, though.

Mainoo is nowhere near the finished article but is already one of England’s top midfielders; not a prolific scorer, or a brutal tackler, but someone with the priceless ability to take the ball in tight spaces, find a way out and move it on.

Few with any connection to United will not welcome this news. A local lad, with the world at his feet, committed to Old Trafford for another five years.

Callum Hutchinson, from Borrisokane, Co Tipperary, was a passenger in the Passat and lost his life in the collision

Advertisement

The funeral details for a 16-year-old boy killed in a road traffic collision last weekend have been confirmed.

The collision occurred on the Belfast Road at Nutts Corner in Co Antrim on Sunday morning and involved a black Volkswagen Golf and a silver Volkswagen Passat.

Callum Hutchinson, from Borrisokane, Co Tipperary, was a passenger in the Passat and lost his life in the collision. Another boy, Christopher Faulkner, who is a cousin of tragic 29 year-old mum-of-one Scarlett Faulkner, was rushed to hospital, where his condition continues to be described as “critical”, the Irish Mirror reports.

Callum’s death notice on RIP.ie reads: “Predeceased by his Grandmother Winnie and great grandmother Mary. Deeply regretted by his loving father Michael, mother Lisa, brother Mikey, sisters Maggie and Winniemarie, sister in law Britney, baby niece Biddy, brother in law Martin.

“Grandparents Bernie, Mike and Joe. Uncles Aaron, Shane, Patrick, Joseph, William, JohnJames and Seamus. Aunts Kelly, Sarah, Theresa, Lisa, Sharon, Lilli-Joe, Jodie, Maryann, Molly, Chloe and Amy. His best friends Tommy, Cathal and Alex, many cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends.”

Callum will repose at his home (Towerhill) on Friday May 1 from 2pm to 6pm. Removal from his home on Saturday morning to SS Peter and Paul’s Church, Borrisokane, arriving at 11:15 am for Funeral mass at 11:30am. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

On Wednesday, a man from Belfast was remanded in custody after appearing in court charged in connection with the road traffic collision that resulted in the death of Callum and left Christopher Faulkner in a critical condition in hospital.

Appearing in the dock of Limavady Magistrates Court, sitting in Coleraine, 29-year-old Tiernan McCann confirmed he understood the eight charges against him on Wednesday.

McCann, from Flax Street in Belfast, is charged with causing the death of Callum Hutchinson by driving dangerously and carelessly on the Belfast Road at Nutts Corner on April 26 this year. The 29-year-old is also charged with causing grievous bodily injury to an 11-year-old boy, also by dangerous and careless driving.

He is further charged with driving while unfit through drink or drugs, driving at excess speed, using his mobile phone while driving and having an incorrect form of registration mark, alleged to have been committed on the same date.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter .

The shotgun pellets have not yet been confirmed as the cause of death

A peregrine falcon that had been living on a nature reserve in Cambridge for many years has died. The peregrine falcon, who had been living at the Cherry Hinton Chalk Pits, was found in Cambridge and was too sick to fly.

The bird was taken to a vet and examined. It was decided that the bird would have to be euthanised, as she had a very low rate of survival.

The death of the bird is currently being investigated by the National Wildlife Crime Unit. The examination had revealed the bird had been hit with shotgun pellets in the past, although this has not been confirmed as the cause of death.

The bird had raised many chicks in the area and was 17 years old, which is an advanced age for a peregrine. The peregrine falcon had been spotted by thousands of visitors over the years.

Matt Jackson, Wildlife Trust BCN Director of Conservation, said: “This bird made her home on the chalk quarry face at Cherry Hinton for many years and was much loved by local residents, bird watchers, staff and volunteers. It is very sad news.

“We will await the outcome of the National Wildlife Crime Unit investigation before commenting on what happened to her, but we do know that wild birds of prey are still at risk of persecution and despite hundreds of wildlife crimes being reported each year only a handful end up in court.

“We will protect this site and the wildlife it is home to as best we can, and hope that the habitat remains healthy enough for another peregrine to take up residence in the future. To help us achieve this we would like to remind all visitors to respect the reserve, keep dogs on a lead at all times, stick to paths and do not pick wildflowers.”

To get more news and top stories delivered directly to your phone, join our new WhatsApp community. Click this link to receive your daily dose of CambridgeshireLive content.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .

A veterinarian has said that some pets can fake injuries or illness – and the surprising reason behind it is something many owners had no idea about until now

Nobody wants to believe their pet might be deceiving them – particularly when they appear to be in pain. But according to one vet, that limp or miserable demeanour might not always be genuine. Alex the Vet has revealed how some pets can actually “fake” injuries or illness, and it frequently boils down to one straightforward thing – attention.

The vet, known as @alex_thevet on TikTok, says animals are far more perceptive than people think, and can rapidly work out what earns them extra affection. He said: “So can our pets fake illnesses and injuries? Well, the answer is yes, they can. And there’s a pretty clever reason why they might do it. “The most common symptoms they might fake are a hurt leg or limp, or just being more down or depressed in general.”

According to Alex, it typically begins with a genuine incident. If a pet was once truly injured or poorly and received extra care, treats or attention, that memory lingers.

“So if something changes in their life – maybe you’re away more, they’re stressed or their routine has changed – they can go back to that behaviour that previously brought them comfort,” he explained.

But there are several revealing signs it might not be authentic.

“One big clue is inconsistency,” he said. “They’re not that good at acting. You’ll often see them forget to limp when they think you’re not watching.”

Another telltale sign is food. If your pet is supposedly poorly but still charging over at mealtime, that’s a warning sign. He also points out that context is crucial – alterations to daily habits or surroundings can frequently prompt this type of behaviour.

Nevertheless, he emphasised it’s vital not to leap to assumptions. “Even if you think they might be faking it, you should never ignore symptoms… always rule out medical problems first.”

And if it transpires your pet has indeed been putting on an act, it’s nothing to get upset about.

“It usually means they need more attention, more routine or more stimulation,” he added.

The guidance resonated with people online, with pet owners recounting their own stories.

One user commented: “This definitely proves how positive reinforcement works. If only humans were that smart.”

Another said: “One of mine goes into the bathroom and screams… I think she does it when she’s hungry, but not always.”

A third added: “Meanwhile my cat skipped the acting part and went straight to having what can only be described as panic attacks.”

And one more simply said: “And people say that positive reinforcement doesn’t work.”

Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon says the row over Offord’s riches reveals the true nature of his politics.

Reform’s Scottish leader Malcolm Offord has five cars, six boats and one gigantic ego.

His extraordinary boast during the STV leaders’ debate about his assets revealed a man who is vain. He is proud when he looks in the mirror and he wants the rest of Scotland to feel the same way about him.

The general point made by the former Tory peer in his lively exchange with lefty Green Ross Greer was a good one.

Offord said he came from humble beginnings and made a fortune after travelling to London with nothing but student debt. He paid millions in tax and hired thousands of staff.

Greer bested Offord in the exchange but was nonetheless wrong to say we need “fewer” people like the Reform leader.

READ MORE: Reform candidate ‘disgusted’ with Scottish people over attacks on ‘six boats’ Malcolm OffordREAD MORE: Reform candidate warned Brexit left the NHS ‘on its knees’ and reduced UK to ‘state of disarray’

But the disastrous mistake Offord made was in itemising his assets like he was like Harry Enfield’s “Loadsamoney” character in the 1980s.

Scots are broke and sick of being unable to afford basic food items at the supermarkets or being stung at the forecourt.

Boasting about his wealth – “six houses, five cars and six boats” – was insensitive, insulting and politically tin-eared.

Offord’s car crash TV appearance also revealed a great deal about his political leanings and ambitions.

He was a liberal-minded Tory before he jumped yacht to the hard right Reform. He is at his most comfortable talking about tax cuts and energy policy, not immigration.

At various points since his defection, he has looked uncomfortable when asked about Reform’s notorious advert questioning Anas Sarwar’s loyalty.

Asked by the BBC to name his political hero, he cited former US President Ronald Reagan, who was a pro-immigration Republican. In 1986, Regan signed a bill into law that gave an amnesty to any illegal immigrant who had entered the country since 1982.

Offord is more of a Thatcherite than a Faragist and Reform is the vehicle for creating a new Tory party out of the ashes of the old one.

Farage has hoodwinked voters by trying to put forward a platform that combines elements of the Right and Left.

Offord is not interested in any such triangulation. He has said Reform is “centre right” and he means it.

Some Tory policies have always polled better than the party itself and Offord’s solution is to rebadge the Conservatives with a new name.

His TV outburst also raises questions about whether he will be around long enough to complete his project.

Offord is a man who loves yachting, travel and the finer things in life. His party will do well next week, but he has zero chance of ever becoming First Minister

The idea that Offord is going to mill around Holyrood for five years leading a group of cranks and clowns is for the birds.

He is better at making money than he is at politics and it is inevitable he will go back to his first love.