Durham head coach Ryan Campbell says England captain Ben Stokes “is back in training” after a shoulder injury and “will be ready” for this winter’s Ashes in Australia.
Stokes, 34, missed the fifth and final Test against India at The Oval with the shoulder problem he sustained during the draw at Old Trafford in July.
The all-rounder expected to be sidelined for about six or seven weeks and has now started batting in the nets again with his county side.
With the first Ashes Test to begin in Perth on 21 November, Campbell also confirmed fast bowler Mark Wood is “extremely close to playing” for Durham again after having surgery on a knee injury.
“Stokes is back in training,” Campbell told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Over the last week, he’s started to hit balls and had a really good session. Scott Borthwick was throwing to him with [coach] Will Gidman for nearly two hours.
“The batting side of things is going very well but the bowling will take a lot longer. He is being treated very steadily.”
The 35-year-old had hoped to return for the fifth Test against India before a setback and was also left out for white-ball matches against South Africa and Ireland.
“I’ve got my fingers crossed that Wood plays for us next week,” said Campbell.
“If that happens, it’s not only great for Durham but also for England. He is extremely close to playing.”
A BODY has been found in the search for a missing County Durham man.
Police were searching for 35-year-old Dean from Chester-le-Street when they recovered the body Wednesday afternoon.
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Police believe they have recovered the body of missing Chester-le-Street man, DeanCredit: Facebook
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He was last seen on Monday, with his mum posting an appeal on FacebookCredit: Durham Constabulary
While formal identification is yet to take place, the body is believed to be Dean.
Durham Constabulary issued an appeal to help find the missing man early on Wednesday.
His mum also posted an appeal on Facebook, writing: “Has anyone seen my son Dean he left home yesterday at 11am to go to the gym at Chester le Street and he hasn’t come home.”
She posted another photo of Dean this evening without a caption.
He had last been seen crossing the road to the cycle path near the Pelton Buffs Social Club just before 11am on Monday.
A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary told ChronicleLive: “We’re very sorry to report that a body has been found in the search for Dean. Sadly, the body of a man was recovered from the Pelton area this afternoon.
“Formal identification has yet to take place, but we believe it to be that of the 35-year-old, from Chester-le-Street. Dean’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
“We’re very sorry to report that a body has been found in the search for Dean. Sadly, the body of a man was recovered from the Pelton area this afternoon (August 20).
“Formal identification has yet to take place, but we believe it to be that of the 35-year-old, from Chester-le-Street. Dean’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.”
His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Durham chairman Phil Collins said in a statement on the club website, external: “We support the 18-county model but, believe the current 10/8 division structure lacks meaningful fixtures as the season progresses.
“The current structure produces a plethora of games in both divisions that do not have any meaning; teams involved in mid table games in the last third of the season onwards do not have any jeopardy… the teams involved cannot get into a title or promotion race and are safe from relegation.
“We don’t believe this produces the intensity of cricket that our great game needs and is something that both players and fans constantly comment on to us.”
The proposal also suggests the T20 Blast should be reduced in size and comprise three groups of six teams each, with the entire competition played before The Hundred begins.
The county said the plans have been drawn up following a Professional Cricketers’ Association survey, which found that 83% of players think the current schedule “harms physical wellbeing”, 72% saying it “hinders high performance”, and over two-thirds claiming mental health is affected by the intensity.
The statement added that other counties have proposed alternative structures, including an 8/10 and a 10/8 division split.
Collins said the idea will be discussed at a members forum on 30 July.
“These proposals aim to reduce workload, enhance performance, and offer more compelling cricket. We believe they represent the best way forward,” he added.
A ‘scenic’ village just 10 minutes away from the popular city of Durham is the perfect getaway place for those looking to get a break from the hustle and bustle of the crowded streets
Hett is only a few miles from the city of Durham [pictured](Image: Getty Images)
One of the things that’s brilliant about Britain – despite the weather – is the many unique villages that are well-known for their picturesque scenery and rural charm. A small but gorgeous village called Hetton-Le-Hole, also known as Hett, is described as ‘scenic’, and is just five miles away from the city of Durham. Interestingly, its name comes from the Old English word haet, which means ‘hat’.
Located at the top of a small hill that resembles a hat, hence its name, is surrounded by nature – making it the perfect place for history and outdoor lovers, especially those who love hiking. Its tranquillity is also a bonus point for those who are seeking a break from the bustle and hustle of city life.
Hett is only a 10-minute car ride away from the city of Durham(Image: Getty Images)
As reported by the Northern Echo, Hett has a concentrated population, and the village’s history is tied to traditional English farming life due to its agricultural settlements. Many of its houses were initially built as farms.
Despite the village’s rural character, there’s a lot of history with medieval mining. Other reports by the same publication explained that in the 13th and 14th centuries, sea coal was mined at Hett under the jurisdiction of the Priors of Durham Cathedral. Hett is now only of the few places in County Durham with evidence about these events.
Fast forward to the present day, Hett is a beautiful place that’s worth visiting. It offers a touch of rural and peaceful village life, and despite its few amenities, it’s still a great place to spend time. It’s close to the City of Durham, which gives a completely different vibe.
Hett’s name comes from the Old English word haet, which means ‘hat’.(Image: Google Maps)
Things to see and do in Hett
Village Green (with a Duck Pond)
Just at the centre of Hett, there’s a massive open space that has a duck pond. It’s a go-to place for locals and visitors, and one of the most lively places in the village. It’s also a good area for those wishing to take a walk overlooking the traditional houses, and even to have a picnic.
Historic Church (St Michael’s)
St Michael’s was the former church, once a chapel of ease dedicated to St Michael. After many years of service, it closed in the 20th century and turned into a private residence. Nonetheless, it remains part of its history.
Hett Moor and countryside walks
One of the best things to do in Hett is to walk. There are a lot of extensive paths from the village to the countryside, offering stunning and relaxing views through fields and hills. During the spring and summer months, the local flora and fauna are in full bloom, making the area so picturesque.
Visit Croxdale and Sunderland Bridge
Despite its proximity to Durham city, the nearby villages of Croxdale and Sunderland Bridge are also worth visiting. Not only is there more history to be learnt, but some of the key features include the stone bridges crossing the River Wear.
If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with barely tourists and without having to hop on a plane, Hett is the destination for you. The easiest, fastest and most convenient way to reach Hett is by train, with prices varying depending on the route and the time of year.
From London to Durham, visitors can take the LNER train, taking less than three hours. Alternatively, there are direct buses from London Victoria Station to Durham University, the Palatine Centre. Then, you can take the Line 65 bus to Hetton-Le-Hole, which takes 21 minutes and costs £2 for the ride, or a 10-minute taxi ride.
Kaylie Bailey contracted botulism after being given illegal Botox
An aesthetic beautician left one woman fighting for her life and several others seriously ill in hospital after injecting them with Toxpia, an illegal Botox-type anti-wrinkle treatment. As the BBC names the woman behind the jabs, two of her victims share their stories.
The patch over Kaylie Bailey’s left eye is a daily reminder of when her beauty treatment nearly killed her.
The 36-year-old mum-of-three from Peterlee, County Durham, had paid Gemma Gray £75 for three “Botox” injections, half of what it had cost on a previous visit – the bargain turned out to be too good to be true.
Within days, Ms Bailey was struggling to see.
Doctors at Sunderland Royal Hospital were initially baffled and diagnosed her with ptosis, an eye condition characterised by the drooping of the upper eyelid, and told her to go home to rest.
The hospital trust said that when Ms Bailey was discharged she had been advised to visit her GP if her condition worsened, and it had been explained to her that her symptoms were probably related to the treatment she had had.
It added that botulinum toxicity was a very rare condition “not seen by the majority of doctors during their careers”.
Family handout
Kaylie Bailey spent three days in intensive care
But when her condition deteriorated over the following days, Ms Bailey rushed back to hospital where this time she was told she had botulism, a rare but life-threatening condition caused by a bacterium.
By that point, she was one of 28 people to have been diagnosed with the toxic poisoning in north-east England after having anti-wrinkle jabs.
Ms Bailey stopped breathing and required resuscitation.
She spent three days on the Intensive Care Unit and was treated with an anti-toxin.
“I remember lying on the bed thinking ‘I’m dying here and I don’t want to’,” Ms Bailey says, crying as she recalls her experience.
Upon her release, and being required now to wear an eye patch until her eye heals, she contacted Mrs Gray and was told by her it was a “nationwide problem with the product”.
“When I went in [to her appointment for the anti-wrinkle jabs], I felt like she was rushing that much it stung, my eyes were watering that much off it,” Ms Bailey says.
“I cannot believe she’s even dared to do that to people.
“She didn’t even know what was in it and we’re having to live with what she’s done to us.
“I’ve nearly died because of it.”
Paula Harrison contracted botulism after being given illegal Botox
Paula Harrison suffered a similar fate when she visited Mrs Gray at a salon in Blackhall, Co Durham, in late May.
The 54-year-old mother-of-three had previously been to the practitioner for a lip-filler procedure but this time decided to have what she thought was Botox and under-eye filler.
After a few days, she too became unwell and also went to Sunderland Royal Hospital where she was admitted and spent four days, receiving an anti-toxin as part of her treatment.
Mrs Harrison said her throat was closing up and she was unable to eat.
“[Mrs Gray is] playing with people’s lives,” Mrs Harrison says. “Luckily, I’m all right, but I could have been dead.”
Gemma Gray
Gemma Gray is the owner of Belissimo Aesthetics
Mrs Gray, formerly known as Gemma Brown, operates her business Belissimo Aesthetics, which is not linked to any other business of the same name, from her home near Bishop Auckland and at a salon in Blackhall.
She administered an illegal type of botulinum toxin, the ingredient used in legal Botox-type products, to a number of patients.
There are seven such products licensed for use in the UK, including the brand Botox which is the most commonly known.
Mrs Gray used Toxpia, a product from South Korea which the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency says is not licensed for use in the UK and which is an offence to sell or supply.
She told clients it was a “new type of Botox” and charged between £75 and £100 for three areas of treatment.
The BBC tried to contact her to ask her about her involvement but she said she was not interested in speaking.
The BBC is naming Mrs Gray after speaking to a number of her clients.
It is understood another aesthetic practitioner, who is a business associate of Mrs Gray’s, bought the Toxpia from her and administered it to her own clients, many of whom also became ill.
‘Consider the health impacts’
Mrs Gray has told clients how sorry she is for what happened and described how bad she feels that they became ill. She told Mrs Harrison that it was a “new treatment on trial” and that she was devastated.
She also indicated it was a “nationwide” problem with the product and said people everywhere had become ill after using it.
The BBC has seen no evidence to support this claim.
Mrs Gray advertised her business as being “fully trained and insured”.
An investigation, led by the UK Health Security Agency, is ongoing.
The agency has issued guidance to anyone who wishes to have this type of treatment, advising them to research their practitioner and make sure the product they are given is a legal medicine and licensed for use in the UK.
The Department of Health and Social Care said people’s lives were being put at risk by “inadequately trained operators in the cosmetic sector” and the government was looking into new regulations.
“We urge anyone considering cosmetic procedures to consider the possible health impacts and find a reputable, insured and qualified practitioner,” a spokesperson said.
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Looking to win this competition for the first time, Surrey were always on top of Sussex from the moment Will Jacks (43) and Dom Sibley (45) hammered a 52-run opening stand from the opening five overs.
Although the tournament’s third-highest run scorer, Jason Roy was out for a two-ball duck but Sam Curran took up the mantle with 38 before Ollie Sykes provided some late fireworks.
The 20-year-old, playing only his eighth game in this format for Surrey, thrashed four sixes and two fours for a career-best 44 not out.
The target of 211 always looked out of reach for the visitors as the home side’s powerful bowling attack of Reece Topley (3-34) and Tom Curran (2-24) took three early wickets between them to reduce Sussex to 14-3.
Tom Clark (45) and Danny Lamb (49) offered brief resistance for Sussex, but with Mitchell Santner (3-26) and Chris Jordan (1-35) also among the wickets Surrey’s latest win sends out a clear warning to the rest of the teams in the competition.
Having been the surprise package to win the competition for the first time last year, Gloucestershire have endured a miserable defence so far, losing their opening five matches, but victory at Kent keeps alive their slim hopes of making it out of the South Group.
Once again it was Ajeet Singh Dale who impressed with the ball as he picked up his second successive three-wicket haul (3-24) to help limit Kent to 157-9 after they had chosen to bat.
Fresh from a stunning century against Somerset on Sunday, Daniel Bell-Drummond (3) became one of Singh Dale’s victims and the home side were indebted to Tawanda Muyeye (33), Harry Finch (42) and captain Sam Billings (38) but they could only add 34 runs from their final five overs.
Gloucestershire made the run chase look comfortable by winning with 10 balls to spare but not before the weather caused a brief stoppage.
After hammering a six, D’Arcy Short (33) found the sun shining straight into his eyes and the umpires took the players off the pitch until it had disappeared behind the stands.
The break did not change the direction of the match as Ollie Price (41*) and skipper Jack Taylor (54*) came together to share an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 98 and finally get off the mark.
It was as strange a sight as you could stumble upon in the English countryside. As a muggy summer’s day began outside Shildon, County Durham – rain threatening, bees drowsy in the hedgerows – I found myself standing on an embankment, surveying two rows of colossal stone teeth jutting through the earth. It looked as if someone had buried a sleeping giant.
“You wouldn’t believe it by looking at it, but this is one of railway history’s most amazing feats,” my companion, rail expert Richie Starrs, said as we gazed down at the molars beneath our feet. A closer look revealed they were abandoned rail sleepers, laid out between the hawthorns and along which coal wagons were once pulled uphill by steam traction locomotives. “This is the Brusselton Incline, a section of the original Stockton and Darlington Railway. Nationally, it’s a story that’s not well known, but it’s one we’re rightly proud of.”
For those interested in such rail history, this is a year like no other. Two hundred years ago, on 27 September 1825, the 26-mile Stockton and Darlington Railway opened as the world’s first public railway, making Shildon the world’s first railway town. And the lessons learned there helped the north-east, then Britain, Europe and the world grasp the importance of rail travel, first for transporting coal and lime, then, decisively, for passengers. It is “the railway that got the world on track”.
A focal point of this year’s bicentennial celebrations throughout Britain (see Railway 200 for details on hundreds of events) is County Durham’s new multi-use S&DR Trail of Discovery. Launching this month as part of the multi-arts S&DR200 festival, the meandering greenway follows the original 26-mile route from Witton Park Colliery near Bishop Auckland to Stockton Riverside and will, its founders hope, stimulate interest in the region’s rail history – and give a shot in the arm to the “left behind” pit communities along the way. There is a buoyant mood around the anniversary, but that doesn’t dispel the melancholy that has lingered over much of the rail line since the coalfields were exhausted and the Shildon Wagon Works, once described as “the jewel in British Rail’s crown”, was closed.
A replica of Locomotion No 1, the first steam-powered train to run on the Stockton and Darlington Railway. Photograph: Lonely Town Film & Media
There would be some who find this all too trainspotterish, but not Starrs, S&DR200’s project manager, or Niall Hammond, volunteer chair of the Friends of the S&DR, both of whom joined me on the first completed section of the trail, a five-mile ramble from the Brusselton Incline to Heighington station, the world’s first train station, at Newton Aycliffe.
Over the coming months, the trail – rich in history – will be transformed with 17 information boards and newly commissioned art murals, plus a podcast and augmented reality game, devised to add colour. Fittingly, you can also hop on a train between many of the milestones along the route.
The idea, Niall told me, is to encourage travellers to walk, eat and stay on the trail for two to three days, but also spark wider regeneration for the area. According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, County Durham remains one of the most deprived areas in England. “This is more than history for people who like rail tracks and iron,” he told me. “The whole point is to make it count for locals. We’re doing up buildings, cleaning up areas and showing why the world was changed from here. It’s urban regeneration in action.”
Skerne Bridge, the world’s oldest railway bridge in continuous use. Photograph: Mike MacEacheran
Once my eyes had learned to read the signs of rail history in the landscape, despite the absence of so much of it, it became easier to imagine how this tiny corner of County Durham changed the world. Along a stretch of the reclaimed rail line through Shildon, impressions of former goods sheds, an iron warehouse, loading bays and an engine house appeared next to tired houses and an empty pub.
We passed a coaling drop, admiring the handsome brickwork arches and columns that once saw wooden chutes rapidly unload coal into hoppers and a row of railway workers’ cottages, now memorials to those who dedicated their lives to the tracks. There was no whiff of engine oil, only bluebells and primrose.
The newest part of Shildon’s compelling train story is at Locomotion, a museum that opened its £8m New Hall last year. It holds Europe’s largest indoor collection of historic locomotives (a mightily impressive 99 engines) and is the temporary home of a 150-year-old bronze statue of the great north-east rail engineer Robert Stephenson, after its removal from London Euston during construction works for HS2, Britain’s controversial high-speed railway. Alongside his influential father, George, who designed the first locomotive for the Stockton and Darlington Railway, Robert shaped rail history, and taking pride of place inside is his world-renowned locomotive Rocket, built in 1829 and on loan from York’s National Railway Museum.
Amid all this, another highlight: Locomotion has a buzzy cafe with Eurostar seating and cakes, including a syrupy ginger loaf right from the Stephenson family cookbook. The book, also part of the National Railway Museum’s collection, lists more peculiar novelties from the 1840s, including recipes for birch wine, English champagne, mince “pyes” and calf foot gilly, a pudding made by boiling a calf’s foot. Thankfully, that was not on the menu.
Another good place to step through the looking-glass is Hopetown Darlington, an eight-minute train journey from Heighington to North Road station, which unloads passengers beside another superlative: the Skerne Bridge, the world’s oldest railway bridge that has remained in continuous use. The open-air rail museum, with 3 hectares (7.5 acres) and an exhibition in a Victorian-era station, is an arsenal of detail, with a dust-free archive of 30,000 heritage artefacts.
The trivia is half the fun. When a message was to be delivered from a moving train to a station, I learned, the note was tucked inside a slit potato and simply flung from the window. Amazingly, the story of the Stockton and Darlington Railway is on the Japanese school curriculum, but not in England.
The Opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, 1825 by John Dobbin. Photograph: Hopetown, Darlington
In its great engineering hall, I was reminded of the UK’s contribution to railways the world over. Robert Stephenson went on to help create the Grand Trunk Railway in Canada, as well as the first railroad in Egypt. His work directly influenced the Norwegian Trunk Railway and the first railway in Argentina.
Rightly, all of this and more will be celebrated across the UK this summer – from Inspiration, Railway 200’s unique exhibition train, which is touring 60 stations (from 27 June), to the largest ever assembly of rolling stock at Derby Litchurch Lane Works, the country’s largest train factory (The Greatest Gathering, 1 to 3 August). Essentially, it is an education in the benefits of rail travel and the art of slowing down at home. Or, perhaps, it’s better to think of this as a story about people, communities and the tracks that help bring them together.
S&DR 200 runs to November 2025 across County Durham and the Tees Valley. Railway 200 runs to the end of the year, with events nationwide. The trip was provided by This is Durham and Visit England
