By Tony Kearney A BUTTERFLY conservation project which transformed into a fully- blown nature reserve has won the top accolade at an environment awards ceremony.

By Gavin Havery A PRIMARY school in north Durham

PARENTS and pupils held an 11th hour protest last night at a school earmarked to close.Councillors are to meet today to decide the future of Hamsteels Primary School, in Esh Winning.

By Neil McKay PARENTS, governors and campaigners fighting to save a village primary school from the axe have been boosted by the support of a former Cabinet Minister.

EDUCATION bosses have been accused of "cutting corners on children's safety" in their haste to close a village primary school.