By Barry Nelson CAMPAIGNERS for improved ambulance services in the Durham dales are making a last-ditch appeal to health bosses today. They want ambulance stations in the upper dales ? in St John?s Chapel, Weardale, and Middleton-in-Teesdale ? to remain the base for 999 services.

TEN years ago Jill Essam and partner Tom Mercer opted for a purchase with a decided difference - they bought a quarry. Their aim for Harehope Quarry, near Frosterley, in Weardale, was to demonstrate a more sustainable way of living through a range of social, economic and environmental projects.

By Tony Henderson THE success of a five-year environment- led regeneration programme in the North East was marked yesterday.

By Neil McKay CALLS to retain a rural ambulance station have won support. After hearing impassioned pleas from residents Joy Urwin and Jean Hetherington, members of Durham County Council's health scrutiny committee recommended the Weardale station remains open.

By Barry Nelson THE standoff over the future of ambulance services in the Durham dales looks more likely to break after concessions by NHS officials. Residents in Weardale and Teesdale are still deeply suspicious of plans to modernise 999 services.