DENTAL DISMAY: One in four adults in the North East and Yorkshire is unable to access dental care.

Official data shows 1.7m people have unmet dentistry needs across the region, including 820,000 adults who have tried and failed to secure an appointment in the last two years.

The figures have been analysed by the British Dental Association (BDA) after the recently published GP Survey by Ipsos. 

The Chair of the BDA’s general dentist practice committee said: “NHS dentistry has effectively ceased to exist for millions across this country. A new government has inherited old problems, but luckily hasn’t followed in its predecessor’s footsteps by pretending this crisis has been solved. These numbers are a stark reminder we need urgency and ambition to save this service.”

GOING FOR GOLD: Former decathlete Daley Thompson appeared in Durham this week, some 40 years after winning his second Olympic gold medal.

Thompson was the guest of honour at the screening of a new documentary about his career, which launched this year’s Durham City Run Festival.

Hosted by Steve Cram, the event took place at the Gala Theatre on Wednesday on the eve of the three-day festival.

Daley won successive Olympic gold medals at Moscow in 1980 and Los Angeles in 1984 and also broke the decathlon world record four times.

KEEPING IT GREEN: A scheme that recognises well-managed parks and green spaces has rewarded 54 parks in the North East region with a coveted Green Flag award.

The outdoor spaces can be found as far north as Berwick-upon-Tweed, and as far south as Middlesbrough and Darlington.

In Newcastle both Jesmond Dene and Exhibition Park were acknowledged, while Sunderland boasted awards for the likes of Mowbray Park and Roker Park.

Gateshead’s Saltwell Park was described as one of Britain’s ‘finest examples’ of a Victorian park, while Albert Park in Middlesbrough was hailed for helping residents to ‘rediscover one of their greatest community assets’. For a full list of winners, click here.

IN GOOD NICK: Sunderland Culture has appointed a new chief executive, with Nick Malyan set to take up his new position in late September this year.

Rebecca Ball, who has been in the post since 2021, has been appointed Arts Council England’s new area director, north, and will begin her new role next month.

Following the announcement, Nick said: “I’m beyond excited to be taking on a role that celebrates and amplifies the city’s vibrant, creative, distinctive culture.”

Sunderland Culture was set up in 2016 to bring together the cultural programmes of Sunderland City Council, University of Sunderland and Sunderland Music, Arts and Culture Trust into a single, independent, delivery model.

FULL STEAM AHEAD: A museum marking Darlington’s history as the home of the first public steam locomotive has opened its doors to the public.

Hopetown shows off historic buildings involved in the railway’s development and artefacts crucial to its operation. The £35m heritage centre also aims to celebrate rail engineering’s past, present and future.

Darlington is famed for being the place where the pioneering Stockton Darlington Railway began operating in the 1800s.

The original North Road station building, which opened in 1842, will allow visitors to stand in the waiting area and view various displays of locomotives. 

ACADEMY LAUNCH: Tyneside defence specialists Responsive Engineering have launched a new training academy to develop workers’ skills as the company’s order book grows.

The new centre in Newcastle will focus on vocational skills in engineering and welding after their base, Armstrong Works, secured accreditation which allows their learning and development team to deliver qualifications for employees, including NVQs.

Neil Mawson, learning and development manager at Responsive Engineering, said: “With our Weld Academy tutor’s support, the second year welding and plating apprentices at Responsive Engineering have all gained valuable tuition, guidance and instruction to support them in achieving the required welding coding to successfully complete more complex fabrications.”

STRONG RESULTS: Newcastle-based insurance broker Lycetts celebrated a year of record-breaking results thanks to business acquisitions and strong sales.

Established 63 years ago, the firm specialises in farm and estate insurance and also provides financial services, household, commercial and bloodstock insurance advice. 

Accounts for the company, which has 16 offices around the UK, saw turnover rise 16 per cent in 2023 to over £25m, while operating profit jumped from £3.124m to £3.77m.

The company’s staff costs increased to almost £14m, reflecting the increase in staff numbers and an annual pay review. During the year, the company grew its workforce from 225 to 237.

In the accounts report, directors said: “Our business lines across the board have flourished, driven by high client retention rates, new client wins and a growth in premiums.”

PUPILS ON THE BALL: New school pupils will begin their secondary education in one of the region’s football stadiums due to building delays.

From September, year 7 pupils at Outwood Riverside Academy will be taught in temporary classrooms at Middlesbrough Football Club’s Riverside Stadium. 

The measure is being introduced because of delays in the building of the new school which was due to be completed in 2023. 

Headteacher Melissa Brant-Smith said pupils would be taught the full curriculum and would also have access to the club’s ‘cutting edge’ sporting facilities.