Making the news in this week's Mercury...

Expectant mums would have to travel much further if the maternity unity at Darlington Memorial Hospital is closed, a public meeting was told.

There was fury after vandals torched equipment at Bright Woods Forest School, based in Deepdale Wood, near Startforth.

Ex-England footballer Dave Thomas has told how his new guide dog Hannah has given him a new lease of life.

A new layout of the Market Cross roundabout is to be introduced in an effort to avoid further damage to the historic monument.

Residents of Hamsterley Forest have expressed concern that visitors to their homes would be hit by parking charges.

Ambitious proposals for a 'Live After 5' scheme to reinvigorate Barnard Castle's night time economy have been unveiled.

In sport, Barnard Castle rugby club's muddy marvels scored an impressive win at Middlesbrough, but it wasn't such good news for Gainford Cross Keys FC, who bowed out of their division cup after defeat in the semi-final. Plus athletics, cricket, martial arts and all the results and tables.

We've also all our readers' letters, the dale's most extensive what's on guide and business news.

This week's paper also includes February's Farm and Country Monthly supplement in which we meet the new face who will welcome visitors to Natural England's Moor House National Nature Reserve and visit Teesdale Gun Club, which found itself at the centre of a row between rival politicians.