THIS week, 15 years ago, homes near Bishop Auckland were hit by a power cut after an electrical fault caused an underground explosion.

Police closed Princess Street for 90 minutes after flames and smoke were seen coming through the pavement.

Firefighters stood by as emergency crews from electricity company NEDL isolated the fire, which burned itself out. The company said about 120 customers lost power.

A spokesman said: "Somehow water got into an underground link box and caused it to fail, setting off an explosion."

Also that week, television presenter Luke Casey officially launched the Hambleton Strollers alongside 70 of its members.

The Dales Diary presenter joined the group for a 30-minute walk around Northallerton.

He said: "Walking is a wonderful, therapeutic activity,"

"More and more people now seem to be getting out of their cars and putting one foot in front of the other. I wish the Strollers great success and hope that many more people will follow their example."

The Strollers were part of the national Walking the Way for Health initiative, spearheaded by the Countryside Agency and the British Heart Foundation, which aims to get more people walking regularly.

Group chairman Dave Goodwin said: "We mean to help prevent coronary heart disease and aim to get people who have sedentary lifestyles taking up exercise. The group is already seeing successes – 70 people are regular walkers and there are many more waiting to join us."

And two children from Darlington got a taste of life as VIPs when they got to step into the mayor’s shoes for the day.

Amy McAlister from Middleton St George Primary School and Rebecca Johnson from Harrowgate Hill Junior School, both aged 11, won the annual Junior Mayor and Mayoress competition and joined Mayor Doris Jones as she performed her civic duties.

The girls visited Darlington's police and fire stations and also toured Teesside Airport, before enjoying a red carpet lunch at Walworth Castle.

Cllr Jones said: "We have had a wonderful day. Amy and Rebecca are a real credit to their schools and have shown real interest and enthusiasm throughout the day."