FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - Longevity in Hurworth: Through the length and breadth of the land there are few villages that can compare to this ideal one, but there are fewer still that can record nine of its inhabitants who have proved superior to the eighties, and some of them even approaching the four score and ten. A man who rejoices in the exceptional status of being a great-grandfather, was seen quite recently in the middle of the Tees fishing.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - While television development is making rapid strides in the greater part of England, the thickly-populated area of Teesside and Darlington has little hope of sharing that intriguing amenity in the immediate future. For some obscure reason, this busy corner of England has been allotted a place in the rear of the queue by the powers-that-be, and a local feeling of chagrin runs high. At least one Darlington resident has taken time by the forelock by erecting a television receiving aerial at his home, but only one trader in the town has the boldness to display a television set (price £48 17s 3d).

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - A practical joker has put hanging baskets full of cabbage leaves and dandelions on the top of the pole of the ironmongers in Northgate, Darlington. The shopkeeper had grumbled that the town centre was decorated with flower baskets and Northgate had got none. He said that he watered the basket and that the joker was probably a friend. The parks superintendent said that Northgate would be considered for floral displays next year