FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - The Richmond Post Office and Millgate had a narrow escape from being burnt down on Thursday noon. Mr H Petch, a senior postman, discovered a fire in his picture framing shop. Neighbours hastened with buckets of water, checking the flames until Mr S Rodber arrived with a hand grenade. The fire was then speedily extinguished, and before the arrival of the fire brigade Mr W Cherry's ponies were speedily removed from the stabling overhead and thus prevented from suffocation. The damage to Mr Petch's property is estimated below £100.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - Approving plans for enlarging the North Briton Hotel, Aycliffe, at an estimated cost of from £20,000 to £25,000, the Chairman of Darlington County Licensing Justices (Coun A Feetham) said on Monday: "There is a great need for houses of this kind on Teesside and in the district" ... Applying on behalf of the hotel owners, Messrs Vaux and Associated Breweries, Mr N G Forster said that in the near future considerable development could be expected in the district, in view of the close proximity of the trading estate and the proposed new town, Newton Aycliffe.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - A ban on the traditional Sedgefield ball game may be put aside as hundreds of supporters of the traditional Shrove Tuesday event are expected to be out in force on March 2. Police warnings were ignored last year, despite a ban imposed by the police two years ago following a near riot in which windows were smashed, several people were injured and dozens of 999 calls were made by angry residents. Extra police were present last year to enforce the ban but a bogus ball was thrown into the crowd ... The ban was imposed when police failed to find a charter in the village records dating back to 1100 permitting the game. Mr Richard Marshall, the Darlington saddler who has made the traditional ball for the last 15 years, said a number of people had asked him if a ball was being made, and added that he might make one just in case