John Snaith News Today

NEXT Saturday, Darlington Historical Society is holding a historic walk in the park – in Darlington’s pioneering South Park.

Friday the thirteenth lived up to its name as flood water breached a country pub.

There are currently 258 flood alerts and warnings across the country, from Carlisle to Brighton, although Wales and the south west continue to be the most at risk

Looking back: Scores of Darlington dads in court for failing to get their children vaccinated against smallpox A vaccine is prepared for delivery From the Darlington & Stockton Times 150 years ago AT Darlington County Court, a score of fathers appeared charged with failing to get their children vaccinated against smallpox. From 1853, every child had had to be vaccinated within three months of birth, and from 1867, the town authorities became responsible for ensuring the law was complied wit...

AT Darlington County Court exactly 150 years ago this week, a score of fathers appeared charged with failing to get their children vaccinated against smallpox. In 1853, the Government had made it compulsory for babies to be vaccinated against smallpox within six months of their birth or their parents would be fined £2. Non-payment of the fine could result in imprisonment – for the parents, not the babies. In 1867, a second Government Act made illegal for all children under the age of 1...