Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Anna Barnes
County Durham farmer up for national award after turning family farm into classroom
Anna Barnes Mon, 26 October 2026 at 5:30 pm UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Jemma Clark, founder of Bowlees Education Farm near Barnard Castle (Image: SUPPLIED) A County Durham farmer who has transformed part of her family farm into an outdoor classroom for children has been shortlisted for a national award.
More than 1,500 calls for help as North Yorkshire storms left people trapped in cars
Anna Barnes Mon, 26 October 2026 at 4:52 pm UTC 4 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Cars drive through floodwater in Manor Road, Scarborough. A multi-agency response was required at the weekend as Storms Boelo and Austen brought high winds and torrential downpours to North Yorkshire.
Dramatic pictures show trail of destruction left in North East by Storm Boelo
Anna Barnes Mon, 26 October 2026 at 3:34 pm UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Antiquary Drive in Darlington (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) Dramatic pictures show the scale of the damage left behind after Storm Boelo battered Darlington and County Durham with powerful winds over the weekend.
Large tree smashes into brand-new Darlington home weeks before tenants move in
Anna Barnes Sun, 25 October 2026 at 4:21 pm UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. The tree came down on Antiquary Drive at around 9am today (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) A large tree has crashed into a brand-new detached home in Darlington, destroying its roof just weeks before new tenants were due to move in. The tree came down on Antiquary Drive at around 9am today (October 25), causing extensive damage to the property.
Drivers warned of A66 closure tonight as Storm Boelo batters County Durham
Anna Barnes Sat, 24 October 2026 at 2:03 pm UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. A66 (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) A major route through County Durham will close in both directions tonight as Storm Boelo brings increasingly strong winds across the region. The A66 will be shut between the A67 at Bowes and the A685 at Brough from 8pm tonight, Saturday, October 24, National Highways North East has confirmed.
Police remain at scene as Darlington road closed for hours after early morning crash
Anna Barnes Sat, 24 October 2026 at 9:32 am UTC 1 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. The B6280 Yarm Road is closed both ways between Alderman Best Way and Lingfield Way following an early morning crash. (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) Police remain at the scene of a crash which has left a Darlington road closed in both directions for several hours.
MP demands answers over Darlington Post Office closure as staff face uncertain future
Darlington MP Lola McEvoy is demanding answers over the closure of the town centre Post Office amid concerns for residents who rely on the service and staff now facing an uncertain future. The branch inside TGJones at the Cornmill Shopping Centre will close on Saturday, November 28, when the retailer closes its Darlington store under a court-approved restructuring plan. The closure will leave Darlington town centre without a Post Office while efforts continue to find a new operator.
Full fire service statement after 'arson attack' at Newton Aycliffe home
The cause of a fire which tore through a Newton Aycliffe home and spread into neighbouring properties is under investigation, fire crews have confirmed. Emergency services were called to Greenlee Garth shortly after 1am on Wednesday, October 14, following reports of a house fire. Two women inside the property managed to escape before firefighters arrived and suffered minor injuries. They were taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital, where police said they remain.
Ex-Sunderland keeper Jordan Pickford ‘almost caused crash’ in £200k Lamborghini
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford nearly caused a crash with two other cars during a bout of careless driving in his £200,000 Lamborghini supercar, a court has heard. The 32-year-old shotstopper was pulled over by police after ignoring a give way sign, forcing two cars to slam on the brakes, and then speeding off into the distance. The incident happened in the upmarket Cheshire town of Knutsford on April 14, sparking a criminal prosecution for driving without due care or attention.
Manslaughter charges dropped against mum and brother of teen killed in house fire
Manslaughter charges have been dropped against three people over the death of a teenager in a house fire, including her mother and brother. Leah Casson, 18, died after the blaze at her home in Vicarage Street, North Shields, North Tyneside, on January 16 2023. Her mother Danielle Johnson, 43, and brother Louis Casson, 19, had been due to go on trial on Monday, alongside a third defendant, Calvin Smith, accused of manslaughter and abstracting electricity in the run-up to the fire.
Thousands raised for 'much-loved' teen who died after car entered River Wear
More than £3,000 has been raised for the family of a much-loved teenager who tragically died when an Audi plunged into Sunderland's River Wear. Shortly before 1.30pm on Tuesday, police received a number of reports from the public of a black Audi A3 car coming off the road at Panns Bank near Wearmouth Bridge and entering the water. Jackson Duke, 17, Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both 16, were in the car and died in the crash.
New Italian wine bar at North Yorkshire leisure complex reveals opening date
A new Italian wine bar and kitchen set to open in North Yorkshire has confirmed when it will welcome its first customers. Veeno has announced it will open its doors at the Treadmills development in Northallerton on Thursday, October 15, bringing Italian wines, food and tasting experiences to the former prison site. The venue will be run by local franchisee Chris Fernandes and will occupy Unit 7 at the leisure development on East Road.
Car left on its side after overturning in late night crash on A167 near Darlington
A red Ford Fiesta rolled over on a busy Darlington road after a late-night crash. Durham Police said officers were made aware of the crash on the A167 near Hurworth at around 11.45pm on Tuesday (September 29). Pictures show the car still at the roadside with airbags deployed, visible damage and wrapped in police tape. A red Ford Fiesta rolled on its side on the A167 near Hurtworth. A red Ford Fiesta rolled on its side on the A167 near Hurtworth.
Michelin-starred chef to open new County Durham restaurant inspired by Polish roots
The chef who helped win Northumberland's first Michelin star is opening a County Durham restaurant inspired by his Polish upbringing. Marek Dziedzic, former head chef at Michelin-starred Restaurant Hjem, will open Restaurant Biedronka at The Farmhouse, South Causey Inn, on October 1. The 35-year-old, who has spent almost two decades in professional kitchens, will combine seasonal British produce with recipes and flavours from the Polish countryside where he grew up.
Darlington man to appear in court today charged with murder of 'best mam' Leanne Park
A Darlington man will appear in court this morning charged with the murder of care worker Leanne Park. The 44-year-old mum was pronounced dead after 999 crews were called to the flat above The Greyhound Pub on Parkgate at about 9.15pm on Wednesday, September 23. Andrew Bell, 44, of Darlington, has been charged with her murder and will appear before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court this morning, (September 28).
Inside the £1.95m Durham manor house hidden behind trees just minutes from the city
A stunning manor house that feels a world away from Durham city centre has gone on the market for £1.95 million. Fernhill Manor in Crossgate Moor has five bedrooms, extensive gardens and a separate cottage on the city's edge. Despite being just a short distance from Durham's shops, restaurants and attractions, the property enjoys panoramic countryside views and a private position hidden behind mature trees and landscaping.
Cordon to remain in place 'for some time' after mum 'murdered' above Darlington pub
A cordon will remain in place for 'some time' after Darlington mum Leanne Park was 'murdered' above a town-centre pub. Leanne, 44, was pronounced dead after 999 crews were called to the flat above The Greyhound pub on Parkgate at about 9.15pm on Wednesday, September 23. Andrew Bell, 44, of Darlington, has since been charged with her murder and will appear before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on Monday (September 28) morning.
NAMED - Man charged with murder of Darlington mum Leanne Park
A Darlington man has been charged with the murder of care worker Leanne Park who was found dead in a flat above a town centre pub. Mum Leanne Park was pronounced after 999 crews were called to the flat above The Greyhound Pub on Parkgate at about 9.15pm on Wednesday (September 23). Andrew Bell, 44, of Darlington, has been charged with her murder and will to appear before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on Monday (September 28) morning.
Man taken to hospital with upper-body injuries after Darlington assault
A man was taken to hospital with cuts to his upper body after being assaulted in Darlington. Emergency services, including police and ambulance crews, were called at 6.47am on Saturday (September 26), to Northgate. One person was treated at the scene and taken to hospital for further treatment. Pictures from show two ambulances, a police car and a police van parked on the street.
Darlington murder probe enters third day as cordon remains outside town centre pub
A cordon remains in place as a murder probe enters its third day following the death of a woman above a Darlington pub. A woman named locally as care home worker Leanne was pronounced dead in the flat above The Greyhound pub on Parkgate around 9.15pm on Wednesday (September 23). Officers were still at the scene on Saturday morning (September 26), with access restricted around the pub. A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and a 27-year-old man on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Darlington singer's music featured in hit TV show Hollyoaks as new single announced
A Darlington singer-songwriter has reached a national TV audience after her song featured in Channel 4's long-running drama Hollyoaks. Phoebe Emmerson's track You & Me appeared on the soundtrack of Wednesday's episode (September 23) of the multi award-winning soap, marking another milestone for the rising local artist. The TV appearance comes as Phoebe prepares to release her latest single, Friday Night Dancing, next month.
Residents hear ‘huge bang’ as car crashes into wall near Darlington
Concerned residents rushed to the scene after a car crashed into the wall of a house near Darlington, leaving the vehicle badly damaged. Police attended the crash on the A167 at Hurworth at around 5.30pm on Thursday (September 24), with part of the road affected while officers dealt with the incident. Pictures from the scene show a dark blue Volkswagen smashed in the wall of a property, causing significant damage to both the car and the pavement. A bollard was also knocked over.
Two men and woman arrested on suspicion of murder after County Durham 'stab attack'
Three people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man in his 50s died following a 'stab attack' in County Durham. Officers were called to an address on Thames Road, in Peterlee, shortly before midnight on Wednesday, September 23, following reports a man had suffered stab wounds. The victim, a man in his 50s, was taken to hospital but sadly was pronounced dead a short time later.
Here's why police helicopter was seen circling over Darlington for an hour
A police helicopter was spotted circling Darlington on Monday afternoon as officers searched for two suspects on an e-bike. Residents reported seeing and hearing a police helicopter over several areas, including Haughton, from about 12.30pm on September 21. A spokesperson from the National Police Air Service (NPAS) confirmed they were looking for two suspects.
Man in his 40s arrested after Coundon crash leaves woman with neck injury
A man in his 40s has been arrested after a two-car crash in County Durham left a woman with a suspected neck injury. Police were called to Lorne Terrace in Coundon shortly after 7.40pm on Sunday, September 20, following a crash involving two vehicles. The driver of one of the cars is believed to have suffered a neck injury. A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including assaulting an emergency worker and being unfit to drive through drink or drugs.
Protected bird put down after being shot on North Yorkshire moor
A protected bird of prey found seriously injured on a North Yorkshire moor was put down after experts discovered it had been shot. North Yorkshire Police confirmed a juvenile marsh harrier was humanely euthanised after the young bird of prey was found in the Westerdale area on August 28, 2026, suffering from injuries that left it unable to fly.
Injured walker sparks major rescue mission with air ambulance on North Yorkshire moor
A major two-and-a-half-hour rescue effort involving air ambulance and mountain rescue crews was sparked after a walker was injured on moorland. Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team was requested by Yorkshire Ambulance Service to help with the incident on Farndale Moor on Sunday, September 20. The team said both of its Land Rovers, along with team members, were deployed to a rendezvous point at the Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge before travelling to the casualty's location.
Abandoned car found overturned in County Durham woods sparking concern
A car found overturned in County Durham woodland with its doors and boot open has been removed following concerns. Durham County Council said the vehicle found in Willington was "safely removed" after an investigation by its neighbourhood wardens. Photographs shared by the council show the abandoned car overturned, with its doors and boot open. A spokesperson said: "SW13 has been investigating an abandoned vehicle following concerns from local people.
Fundraiser for much-loved County Durham event cancelled after low ticket sales
; ; Related Facebook post Shared from Facebook Continue reading More for You More for You
Bishop Auckland baby found under floorboards was 'strangled to death with twine'
A baby whose skeleton was discovered beneath floorboards in Bishop Auckland more than a century after his passing was likely strangled to death, a coroner has concluded. The remains of the infant, known as "Baby Auckland", were uncovered during renovation work on Fore Bondgate in July 2024. An inquest at Crook Coroners' Court on Thursday (September 17) heard the baby boy's body was found beneath floorboards wrapped in pages of The Umpire newspaper dated June 1910, with twine tied around his neck.
Prolific shoplifter banned from retail park with 'lengthiest ever' court order
A prolific shoplifter has been banned from entering a retail park for five years. Alex Wood, 23, was arrested over the weekend and interviewed in connection with dozens of thefts, mainly from Cleveland Retail Park. He was charged with 33 shoplifting offences involving goods worth more than £5,000. At Teesside Magistrates' Court on Monday (September 14 ) he was jailed for 44 weeks and handed a five-year CBO banning him from entering Cleveland Retail Park.
Darlington beauty queen raises £1,270 for cancer charity in great-grandad’s memory
A Darlington beauty queen has raised more than £1,000 for charity in memory of the great grandad she tragically lost to a brain tumour. Nicole Hanson, 22, who is representing Durham in this year's Miss Great Britain competition, organised a fundraising event and raised £1,270 for Cancer Research UK after bringing together two of her biggest passions, cars and charity.
Invasive carp get closer to Lake Michigan as project to halt their spread is ordered to stop
By Anna Barnes The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has detected invasive carp in the Illinois River only 80 miles from Lake Michigan. That’s the closest the fish are known to have gotten to the Great Lakes, and hundreds were detected. Officials from the department also suspect there could be spawning grounds closer to the Great Lake and are monitoring the area further. They say floods and water temperatures made great conditions for carp spawning.
Police launch probe after cyclist knocked off bike and left with multiple injuries
A investigation has been launched after a cyclist suffered arm and foot injuries after being knocked off his bike in a crash. The incident happened at about 9.25pm on Saturday, September 12, on Whitby Close near the junction with Byland Road in Skelton, East Cleveland. A 41-year-old man was riding a bicycle when the crash happened involving a dark-coloured vehicle. Officers believe the vehicle travelled along Jervaulx Road twice before heading towards Byland Road.
New Darlington business park joins partnership backing the town’s net zero ambitions
A major new industrial development in Darlington has joined a business network set up to help employers cut their environmental impact and move towards net zero. Greenbox Darlington, a three-unit industrial and logistics scheme off Tornado Way near the A66, has become the latest member of the Darlington Employers Environmental Partnership (DEEP).
First look inside Darlington nightclub as headline DJ draws packed launch weekend
Ignite Nightclub reopened under new ownership on Skinnergate on Friday, September 4, drawing crowds for its first two nights back in the town centre. The venue had been empty since November 2024 but has returned with a new look, two music rooms and plans for regular headline DJs and themed nights. Nathan Dawe, known for dance hits including Flowers, 21 Reasons and Lighter, headlined the opening night and proved a hit with clubbers. A spokesperson said: "It went absolutely fantastic.
Much-loved Darlington shop famed for its 'quirky gifts' opens in new town centre home
A much-loved Darlington gift shop has relocated to the town centre. Krazy Gifts has opened its doors at Unit 18 in the Cornmill Shopping Centre, relocating from its former Queen Street location and bringing its selection of cards, homeware and gift items to a new audience. Tony Reale from Krazy Gifts said: "We are delighted to be opening in Cornmill Shopping Centre. "This is an incredibly exciting new chapter for the business.
Man appears in court accused of 44 child sex offences after arrest at airport
A man accused of 44 sexual offences involving children has appeared before magistrates. Robert Esterbrook, 79, of no fixed abode, was arrested at Leeds Bradford Airport on Monday evening (September 7) on his return to the UK following his departure in 2021.
Hundreds line the streets to say final goodbye to 'superhero' PC Matthew Blades
Hundreds of people stood shoulder to shoulder to say goodbye to an officer killed in the line of duty on the A66. Just after 11am today (Wednesday, September 9), silence fell over Hutton Avenue as PC Matthew Blades' funeral cortege approached St Joseph's Church in Hartlepool. Dad-of-two PC Blades died when a marked Cleveland Police car he was in with PC Tom Clough was hit head-on by a VW going the wrong way up the A66 at South Bank at 3.39am on Saturday, August 22.
Face of paedophile jailed for a decade after grooming and sexually assaulting child
A paedophile who groomed and repeatedly sexually assaulted a child has been put behind bars for a decade. Robert Ashcroft, of no fixed address, targeted and sexually assaulted the girl on numerous occasions over three months when she found the courage to disclose what he had done. After it was reported to police, he was arrested and questioned before being charged with six counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
McDonald’s teases opening of highly anticipated Darlington restaurant after setbacks
McDonald's has teased that its highly anticipated new Darlington restaurant will be opening soon, following a series of setbacks. The fast-food giant shared a video on Facebook on September 3, telling customers: "A new store is opening in Faverdale, Darlington. Opening date coming soon." The post has sparked fresh excitement over the new restaurant on Faverdale Industrial Estate, which has been under construction since March 2025.
Fundraiser for families of Cleveland Police officers killed in A66 crash hits £1m
A fundraiser launched for the families of two Cleveland Police officers killed in the A66 crash has reached £1 million. PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, died when a Volkswagen Passat which had been pursued by police collided with their marked armed response vehicle seconds after the pursuit was terminated. Five people travelling in the Volkswagen Passat also died at the scene. The fundraiser, created by Cleveland Police Federation on Sunday, reached £1 million today.
Fire service issues statement after house fire kills two and leaves one critical
Fire crews who attended the scene of a fatal house blaze have confirmed six people were inside the property at the time, with one person remaining in a critical condition. Emergency services, including six fire engines were called to a house fire on Birchington Avenue at 5.23am on August 26 where sadly, two people have been confirmed dead. Four people have been taken to James Cook University Hospital for further treatment.
Residents told to 'avoid area' as six fire engines called to house blaze
Firefighters have told residents to "avoid the area" after a fleet of fire engines were called to an early morning blaze. Emergency crews, including six fire engines, were called to a property fire at 5.23am this morning (August 26) at Birchington Avenue in Grangetown. The road remains closed and drivers are being advised to find alternative routes while emergency services deal with the house fire. The incident remains ongoing and the Incident Command Unit are currently at the scene.
Inquests into deaths of 'hero' police officers and man in A66 crash to open this week
Inquests will be opened into the deaths of two police officers and one of the five people killed in the A66 crash this week. PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough died when their marked police car crashed with a Volkswagen Passat going the wrong way up the A66 at South Bank at 3.39am on Saturday, August 22. Five people in the Passat - Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak - also died at the scene.
Community raises more than £500,000 for 'hero' police officers killed in A66 crash
A community has rallied together to raise more than half a million pounds for "hero" police officers who died in a horror crash. PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough died when their marked police vehicle was involved in a crash with a Volkswagen Passat in South Bank, at 3.39am on Saturday, August 22. The officers were among seven people who died at the scene. In the days since the tragedy, an influx of floral tributes, balloons and handwritten notes have been left at the crash site.
Study finds climate warming directly affects the makeup of plant communities
LANSING -- In Michigan, sugar maple populations are rising and eastern redbud trees are making their way north, while coniferous trees, like the black spruce, continue to decline. Conservationists suspect a multitude of causes for this changing composition, including climate warming, and the authors of a new study say it's just shown a direct link between changing plant communities and heat.
Family pay tribute to 'hero' PC Tom Clough killed in devastating A66 crash
; ; Continue reading More for You ; ; ; Continue reading More for You
Family pay tribute to ‘hero’ PC Tom Clough killed in devastating A66 crash
The heartbroken family of one of the officers killed in the A66 crash have paid tribute to their "hero". PC Tom Clough died after a marked Cleveland Police vehicle was involved in a crash with a Volkswagen Passat on the A66 at South Bank at 3.39am on Saturday, August 22. His family said: "He was our hero with a fantastic sense of humour. Jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason. "Proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place.
15 photos as Nile Rodgers and Chic wow fans at 'record breaking' North Yorkshire gig
Nile Rodgers and Chic brought a record-breaking summer of live music in North Yorkshire to a close on Saturday night (August 22). The disco legends topped the bill at Scarborough Open Air Theatre, drawing the curtain on the seaside venue's biggest-ever season after 175,000 tickets were sold across 28 shows. Their appearance marked another milestone for the venue, becoming the 200th live music artist to headline there since it reopened in 2010.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Anna
Contact Anna, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack