From this newspaper 100 years ago.

A sensation was caused at Middleton-in-Teesdale on Saturday night, when the news was spread that the new Savings Bank at the church yard entrance had been broken into.

Sgt Nicholson was soon on the scene and it was found that one of the windows had been broken. The culprit, who was standing near in a drunken condition, was apprehended. It is supposed he had no felonious intent.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - After a lapse of five centuries, monks of the Carthusian Order may return to Mount Grace Priory, near Osmotherley, which was closed with other religious houses by Henry VIII in 1546. If they do not, the priory may be purchased by the National Trust.

The owner of the Arncliffe Estate, Sir Hugh Bell, of Rounton, is abroad with Lady Bell for a year.

Yesterday, Sir Hughs' agents, Messrs Smiths Gore & Co, of Darlington, said they were contemplating a sale but did not know to whom. They said the National Trust and the Carthusian Order had expressed interest.

Mr A C Dicker said Mount Grace was lovely but, from an estate agent's point of view, could be a liability.

Estate duties are believed to be responsible for Sir Hugh's decision to sell. Other parts of his estate, which was ran as a comprehensive farming and trading estate two years ago, may also be sold.

The house behind Mount Grace is now occupied by Mrs Cooper Abbs.

Objections to any possible prevention of public access could come from Yorkshire archaeological groups.

Miss K Cooper Abbs, a daughter of the tenant, said she hoped Mount Grace would not be closed to visitors.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - Nearly 70 people of all ages attended a public meeting at Hutton Rudby called by the village's playing fields association to ascertain support for a children's play area.

The association was set up last year to seek out and purchase suitable land in the village for a community recreation. There are 350 children in Hutton Rudby.

Residents were told that only one field really met requirements and it was already earmarked as a playing field by North Yorkshire County Council.

This is land known as Griffith's Fields - a 7-acre piece off Belbrough Lane, next to the village hall and tennis courts.

The field is to be sold by auction on March 28 and the association wished to know if residents wanted it to continue its efforts to obtain it.

There was overwhelming support for this and the committee hopes to raise £2,000-£3,000, in addition to obtaining grants and other contributions.

Association secretary Mr J Campbell, of Eden Road, and chairman Mr W Bainbridge, of Linden Crescent, welcomed all offers of support.