Months after effectively banning cockerels from council-owned allotments, the council is being asked to allow show birds to stay with permission.

Cabinet members will consider the proposal on September 16.

The move follows a campaign by allotment holders and poultry enthusiasts who warned the ban could put birds already on sites across the county at risk.

Among those speaking out was 14-year-old Tom Barker Amos, from Bishop Auckland, who launched a petition calling on the council to rethink the ban.

Tom previously told The Northern Echo that his pet cockerel Brian was an “integral part” of his life and that keeping poultry had helped his mental health.

He warned that owners could struggle to rehome birds displaced by the ban, leaving some at risk of being euthanised.

The teenager’s petition drew hundreds of signatures, while campaigners said there was little evidence cockerels caused widespread nuisance and called for tenants to be consulted before restrictions were imposed.

The council had revised its allotment tenancy agreement earlier this year following a public consultation, removing previous exemptions that allowed show cockerels to be kept on allotments with permission.

Councillor Dawn Bellingham, the council’s cabinet member for communities and resilience, said it had listened to concerns raised since the ban was approved.

She said: “Since then, we have had representations from tenancy holders, fellow councillors and organisations highlighting their concerns around the welfare of current birds.

“As a result, we have reconsidered our approach.”

Under the proposal, show cockerels could return to council-owned allotments with the authority’s permission.

But the council said protecting the birds and the wellbeing of neighbours would remain priorities.

If a cockerel causes a statutory nuisance, a ban would apply across the affected allotment site, overriding any policy allowing the birds to be kept.

The Bayeux tapestry is many things: a public statement, a massive work of collaborative art, a staple of the teaching of British history. The 70-metre-embroidered cloth depicts the events of the Norman conquest, culminating in the 1066 Battle of Hastings and the death of Harold II.

Since its creation in the 11th century, the Bayeux tapestry has loomed large in English history and shaped the way we think about the events of 1066. However, the tapestry is other things too.

First, it is not actually a tapestry, but an embroidery. The images on the cloth are not woven into it, but worked in crewel threads (worsted wool yarn – crewel is the old Welsh word for wool) on top of a piece of linen.

We should use the correct terminology if we are going to place this piece into its rightful place in the history of women’s creative labour and especially embroidery. Embroidery may be typically considered a solo pursuit of little political importance but this is not the case, as the Bayeux creation clearly shows.

As someone who researches comics, war and violence, I see the Bayeux embroidery as a prime example of the importance of visual narratives for political myth-making and nation-building.

Needlework as historical record

The Bayeux tapestry was, according to historian George Wingfield Digby, “designed to tell a story to a largely non-literate public; it is like a strip cartoon, racy, emphatic, colourful, with a good deal of blood and thunder and some ribaldry”. It is certainly racy – there are 93 visible penises, most of them belonging to horses.

There are many other works from across the world that tell similar stories in this way. For example, Trajan’s column in Rome, completed in 113 CE, is a 30-metre-tall marble column, topped with a statue of St Peter. It features a 190m spiralling frieze that tells the story of the Roman-Dacian Wars (101-102 CE and 105-106 CE). An impressive monument to military prowess, it demands no deep understanding of Latin and the story it tells cuts across the territories of Rome and her trading partners.

We see this in the modern world too: IKEA flat pack instructions, NHS guidance for people taking medication and aeroplane safety leaflets all work in the same way. Pictures – therefore comics – are used to convey universal information.

But how does this connect to women’s creative practice and embroidery? In my previous research, I looked at the way in which needlework and comics come together. Currently I’m researching comics reading methods in narrative needlework.

How can thinking about comics as a reading method open up useful ways to engage with needlework texts? Using needlework as a way to construct one’s own story and create a tangible record of events – especially in times of trauma – has a long and storied history.

Consider the creation of arpilleras in Chile during the military dictatorship under General Pinochet (1973-1990) – burlap pieces created out of scraps of cloth that memorialise the “disappeared”. Or the Hmong story cloths, colourful embroideries made during the Laotian civil war (also known as the “secret war”, 1959-1975), now seen as important cultural and historical artefacts, especially in Hmong diaspora communities.

Though these two examples are not as widely known or recognisable as the Bayeux tapestry, they have a similar purpose. They pictorialise particular episodes in a history of significant events, choosing what we remember, while excluding other parts of the story.

What is particularly interesting is that these modern works, though separated by time and geography, are giving voice to those who do not have access to mainstream channels. These works are created out of defiance and a need to creative a narrative for their story and to remember those who have been lost.

While the Bayeux tapestry was created as a narrative of victory, it was still created by women who would have had very little voice in their own communities and whose labour sits in the background of the work itself. The work of the women who embroidered the greatness of William I could be seen as the creative precursor of that of the women who embroidered their murdered loved ones in Chile and Laos.

The women who stitched the Bayeux tapestry in the late 11th century knew that pictures were a marvellous vehicle for narrative and this remains true today. Though they did not have creative control over the story, we see the touches of their creativity and humour throughout the piece itself.

Centuries later, their crafting sisters in Chile and Laos took up their needles to tell stories that only they could, becoming fully the creators of pictorial memories, making visual the violences that still mark our history.

Comics is not just superheroes and spandex; it can be public art, telling public stories. And if we widen the definition just a little bit, there are many more stories waiting to be discovered.

Lucas David Littlefair, from Hesleden, died after the Volkswagen Passat he was driving collided with a Citroen C3 on the B1281 Hesleden Road near Blackhall Colliery on August 2. 

The 19-year-old, who has been described as a “treasured” son, brother, grandson, and boyfriend, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

An inquest opened into his death at Crook Coroners’ Court today (September 8) heard how the crash took place near to the entrance to Hardwick Hall.

A post mortem carried out at the Newcastle Freeman Hospital by Dr Tuomo Polvikowski gave the former tree surgeon’s cause of death as multiple skull and vertebral fractures with a catastrophic brain injury and a traffic accident.

Following his death, Lucas’ family released an emotional tribute to him, saying: “Lucas, you have been cruelly snatched from us much too soon, a great hole has been left in your place and life can never be the same again without you.

“Rest in peace, Lucas – the only thing that can keep us going is knowing we will meet again. Lucas was loved more than he can ever know. 

“We will never forget him or ever stop loving him, and will miss him dearly.

“Lucas had a passion for motorbikes and when he wasn’t at work he was always spending time with friends, family and his girlfriend. 

“He brought so much happiness to all our lives and we have so many memories as a family that we will never forget.”

The serious two-car crash took place when the two vehicles collided and left one of the vehicles overturned. 

Three passengers who were in the VW, two boys aged 17 and a 17-year-old girl, were taken to hospital as a precaution before being discharged. 

The driver of the Citroen, a 22-year-old woman, was also taken to hospital and discharged.

Senior Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield adjourned the inquest for a mention hearing on November 17 at the coroners’ court, sitting at The Miners Hall in Durham.

Officers were called to Wensleydale Square just after 11am on Sunday, September 6, after reports that a man had been attacked.

The man, in his thirties, was taken to hospital for treatment.

Police believe the attack happened on the Woodhouse Estate about an hour before they were called.

Residents have described how a quiet Bishop Auckland street was “flooded” with police after a man was found with suspected stab wounds. (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

One resident said he’d never seen anything like it on the street.

Mr Ogden, who has lived on the street since October 1965, said: “I saw around seven police cars on Sunday morning. I just saw it from my box window upstairs but didn’t pay much attention.

“I haven’t heard much about what actually happened.”

He added: “The area has gone downhill, like everywhere has over the years, you keep your doors locked now just in case, it never used to be like that. I think all us old ones are dying off and new people are coming in.”

Another resident said: “I was cooking dinner for the family when I heard the commotion and saw the police. The street was flooded with them.”

She added: “I’ve been here since the houses were built, from about 1965, and it’s usually a quiet, nice area.”

A woman whose daughter found the injured man said: “It’s usually a quiet area. I’ve never known anything like that to happen on the street.”

Durham Police confirmed an investigation had been launched. after a man was assaulted in Bishop Auckland.

A spokesperson added: “Officers would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information that could assist their investigation.”

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called to an incident at a private address off Weardale Drive in Bishop Auckland at 10.56am on September 6, 2026.

“We dispatched a clinical team leader and an ambulance crew, who took one patient to hospital.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting crime reference number CRI00705491.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

The singer is heading back to his roots and playing some of the key venues and towns he played on the road to success – including a stop off at the Perth Concert Hall.

Callum Beattie has dropped a festive treat for fans – a surprise Scottish tour that will take in Perth and close out the biggest year of his career.

The Edinburgh-born singer is getting back to his roots taking in some of the key venues and towns he played on the road to success.

In the last 12 months Callum has headlined the OVO Hydro, Edinburgh Castle, Belladrum and Queens Park – but he and manager Dave Rogers wanted to go back to small intimate shows one more time.

Callum said: “This is really a thank you to the fans because we owe everything to them.

“They have made dreams come true for my manager Dave and I time and time again – the Hydro, the Castle, Bella, the album success. It’s been the biggest and best year we could ever have dreamed of.

“It’s been incredible playing these huge shows but it feels really special for all of us to go back to some of the places around Scotland that helped us get to this level.

“More intimate shows bring a different buzz and intensity so it just feels like the perfect way to show our love and appreciation for fans all over the country.”

The tour takes in Edinburgh Playhouse on November 26, Oban Corran Halls on November 27, Dunfermline Alhambra Theatre on November 28, Troon Concert Hall on December 3, Dunoon Queen’s Hall on December 4 Strathpeffer Pavilion on December 5, Aberdeen Music Hall on December 11 and then Perth Concert Hall December 12.

And it finishes up with three shows at Glasgow Barrowland on December 18 and 19 – including a matinee on December 19.

As well as venues he may never play again, the tour also includes two shows – Edinburgh and the first Glasgow night – where fans will get to choose the entire set list from his full back catalogue.

Callum said: “This is a mad idea Dave came up with and roped me into – and he is insisting that everything is up for grabs including a couple I really don’t like performing.

“I suppose that is what makes this fun and a bit special – I’m just the human jukebox for the night and it’s all about what the fans want me to play.

“I won’t say what the songs I don’t want to play are, or they’ll definitely be chosen.

“But I really like the idea now I’ve got my head around it. It’ll be fun and also gives us a real insight into what fans feel about the usual set lists too.”

Supporting at all shows are Pistol Daisys, a band who have become intimately linked with Team Callum.

He said: “These guys are phenomenal – really special. They’ve been a big part of this last year, Lorna and Lewis play with us as part of our band at the big shows.

“So we had to have them with us, playing as themselves and joining our show too.

“They really have something unique and I want more fans to see that and get on board.

“Lewis works in the studio with us and does a lot with Dave so it felt really natural as the partnership grew to involve them in the live set-up – it’s been crazy good.”

Callum’s first fully independent album INDI came out in January and inspired a charity foundation he and Dave are working on.

INDI was his most successful record yet hitting no4 in the UK album charts, No1 in Scotland and huge streaming numbers, and brought massive ticket sales with festival, arena and even castle headlines.

But for the tightly-bonded pair and their band, it’s never about the business – it’s about the fans and the love of what they have created together.

Callum said: “It’s been the best gigging year of my life – the best year in music of my life. It’s been the best year overall.

“Truly bucket list stuff with these massive landmark moments at the most iconic venues. Incredible for a wee guy from Musselburgh.

“But there’s nothing like the intimacy of the smaller rooms. The energy is different and I am excited to share that with you all again.

“Business stuff says this tour doesn’t make sense but that’s not what it’s about – it’s for fun and the sheer love of our fans and what they have helped us achieve.

“I can’t think of a better way to end this amazing year than with the people who made it happen.”

Tickets are on sale on now at Ticketmaster and the venue box office.

A California father, 44, passed away from severe injuries days after a plane crash that killed his wife and two sons on Saturday. 

The four-seater single-engine aircraft crashed atop a bluff of the San Joaquin River, about 12 miles north of Fresno in Central California, shortly before 2pm on Saturday, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. 

Craig Eady, 44, spent three days in the hospital with critical burns and passed away on Monday, the sheriff’s office said.

His wife Danna Eady, 41, died of her injuries in hospital on the night of the crash, according to Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Tony Botti. 

Their two sons Pavel, 10, and Remus, 13, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The recreational plane, piloted by Danna, crashed shortly after takeoff from the nearby Sierra Sky Park Airport.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the crash. An NTSB investigator was on site Sunday morning, according to a statement to the Daily Mail.

‘Several electronic devices were recovered from the plane and are being sent to NTSB headquarters for further analysis,’ the statement reads. 

The Eady’s plane crashed and started burning near the San Joaquin River in Central California

Craig Eady and his wife Danna Eady were removed from the wreckage and taken to a hospital. Their two young sons were pronounced dead at the scene

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The wreckage has been taken to a secure facility for further examination.  

The exact cause of the crash is not yet clear but is likely to be revealed in a preliminary report from the NTSB to be published up to 30 days from the crash.  

‘I would say for the number of flights that come in and out of Sierra Sky Park, this is unusual. As a whole, airplane crashes are very rare. I think we need to keep that frame of mind,’ Botti said in a video posted to the FCSO Facebook page. 

Danna Eady was a flight instructor at Reedley College, a community college in Fresno County.

Nick Wilcox, a longtime friend and flight instructor, said to abc7: ‘Danna was always just up for an adventure. So, I know she is still on an adventure right now and this is… she just loved adventure. She loved flying. She died doing what she loved.’

Daniel Armenta, a flight science student at Reedley College, added: ‘She was an amazing instructor. She taught us well. She taught us how to keep on going.’ 

The couple are survived by their two older children, Felicity, 18, and her brother Lucien, 17.

Felicity wrote in a Facebook post: ‘I will forever miss my best friends. We went on so many adventures together and truly lived life to the fullest during our time together. I love you Mom, Dad, Remus, and Pavel!’ 

Craig Eady (far left) passed away from his injuries on Monday. He was the last survivor of the plane crash which claimed four out of six members of the Eady Family

Danna Eady was piloting the single engine aircraft. She was a flying instructor at Reedley College in Fresno County

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash. The wreckage of the plane was transported to a facility for further examination, according to a statement from the NTSB to the Daily Mail. 

An online fundraiser was put together for them to alleviate the many unexpected costs that come with a tragedy of this nature. So far, $65,000 has been raised towards the $250,000 goal. 

The Eady family were a part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Auberry, according to abc30. Kristin Leonard, a member of their ward, said many are finding comfort in their beliefs as they mourn, abc30 reported. 

The Daily Mail has reached out to the City of Fresno and Reedley College for comment.  

The worst affected airports are Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham.

Leeds Bradford Airport is not affected but many people living in North Yorkshire and York use Manchester Airport.

READ MORE: The Bread Bin (Harrogate) Ltd of Harrogate in liquidation

The air tracker found 352 flights to and from Heathrow were delayed out of its daily average of about 1,300.

Meanwhile, 281 Gatwick flights were delayed out of its 850 total operations average.

This was 249 out of 650 for Manchester, and 101 out of 300 for Birmingham.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was aware of the issue impacting flights and that engineers were “fixing it as we speak”.

She said: I’m aware of a technical issue impacting flights at airports including Heathrow and Gatwick.

“Technicians have identified the issue and are fixing it as we speak.

“I know this will be frustrating for passengers and I’m sorry.

“Please check with your airline for latest advice.”

Have you been affected by this widespread issue and live in North Yorkshire? Contact kevin.glenton@newsquest.co.uk if so.

She said the crash ‘ruined her life as she knew it’

A mum pushed her daughter to safety after a car crashed into her family before the driver fled the scene. The woman was walking with her young daughter, followed by her partner walking their puppy just behind in Brinkley Road, Burrough Green, near Newmarket on the evening of July 9, 2024.

When she noticed the car being driven straight at them, the mum managed to push her daughter out of the way, but she was hit by the car alongside her partner and their puppy.

Lydia White, 43, was driving on the road following a person she knew on a motorbike in front. She mounted the footpath and crashed into the family just before 10pm.

After the crash she didn’t stop and drove off, leaving the mum and her partner with serious injuries. The man was left with a fractured hip and the woman suffered a fractured arm, severe bruising and soft tissue damage, requiring skin grafts and prolonged rehabilitation.

Both were taken to hospital and the puppy was taken to the vets by an officer. The dog suffered a broken pelvis and needed thousands of pounds of specialist treatment.

The mum said the crash had “ruined her life as she knew it” and has led to her family being around £25,000 in debt due to not being able to work. She said she is now fearful to go out, feels constantly vulnerable and like a burden on her own family. She described the crash and its consequences as a never-ending nightmare.

After the crash, two people identified the driver following a police appeal for witnesses. Police were able to identify her as the suspected driver of the white Hyundai i20.

A Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) was sent to White but she denied being the driver, failed to identify who was and then ignored the second notice.

However, she was caught on CCTV getting into the car about a mile before the scene of the crash and again following the motorbike just before and after the crash. Her car has never been found, but the insurance was renewed a few months later with White as the only registered driver.

White, of Grange Road, Chalfont St. Peter, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire, gave no comment to all questions asked of her in three different police interviews. She later pleaded guilty to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

She was sentenced at Peterborough Crown Court today (September 1) where she was handed two years and seven months in prison, suspended for two years. She was also ordered to complete 220 hours of unpaid work, a 25-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, and has also been disqualified from driving for four years.

Sergeant Rochelle Eves, who investigated, said: “This was a horrific collision involving a young family who were simply out for an evening walk with their puppy.

“The consequences of White’s actions and how this has affected them cannot be underestimated. They were left with serious, but thankfully not life-threatening injuries.

“Incredibly bravely, the woman managed to keep her daughter safe by pushing her out the way of the car coming towards them – if she had not done so, the situation could have been so much worse.

“White’s behaviour was nothing less than shocking by fleeing the scene after causing such devastation, denying any involvement and lying to police. I hope this case shows the lengths we will go to identify drivers who flee the scene of collisions and bring them before the courts.”