CONTINUING The Northern Echo's look back at the highlights of the year in Darlington in 2014

JULY

Football and rugby fans alike took a keen interest in plans for the transformation of the Blackwell Meadows site ahead of a groundshare between Darlington RFC and Darlington FC.

Planning permission for the proposals to upgrade the pitch, clubhouse and parking facilities have now been submitted to the council amid hopes the football club can return to the town next season.

Darlington became home to the smallest park in the country when the Gerald Lee Pocket Park, named for this year’s mayor, opened under a billboard on Victoria Road.

Residents worked together to transform the neglected site, making it a wildlife haven.

AUGUST

The world’s most famous rugby team, the New Zealand All Blacks announced they would use Darlington Mowden Park as their training base for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, marking a huge turn around for the once neglected arena.

Thousands of people gathered to witness the flypast of one of only two remaining Lancaster Bombers, named for Canadian hero Andrew Mynarski, at Durham Tees Valley Airport.

Veterans joined history enthusiasts and members of the public at the visit to the former Middleton St George Royal Canadian Air Force base.

SEPTEMBER

Crowds descended on Darlington again for the second Festival of Thrift, held at Lingfield Point.

Organisers estimate 40,000 people visited the two day event, which celebrates thrifty living, upcycling and recycling.

One of the most anticipated developments in the town centre for many years – the cinema and leisure complex on the site of the old bus station - finally got underway.

Feethams Leisure is expected to open its doors in 2016 and create hundreds of jobs.

OCTOBER

There was a second lot of good news for the Civic Theatre after the Heritage Lottery announced a grant of £5m to renovate the Edwardian building and bring it up to 21st Century standards.

News of the funding followed the announcement of £1.5m Arts Council funding for a new children’s theatre to the rear of the Civic earlier in the year.

Arthur Wharton, who became the first black professional footballer in history when he pulled on a jersey to play in goal for Darlington FC, was immortalised with a statue at St George’s Park, home of the England team.

The statue was created following a campaign by Darlington man Shaun Campbell, who wanted to see the pioneering sportsman properly remembered.

NOVEMBER

Traders and shoppers reacted with delight after Darlington councillors pledged to spend £500,000 making vital repairs and renovations to the town’s Covered Market.

A final decision on the funding, and the rest of the council’s budget for 2015/16 will be made in the new year.

One of the more unusual stories of the year was the story of Age UK volunteer Dot Rogan, who lost four stone by strumming “Oh My Darlington Clementine” on her ukulele every time she got hunger pangs.

Her husband is now known as “Poor John”.

DECEMBER

Comedy writer and co-creator of Sherlock, County Durham-born Mark Gatiss wowed the audience at a special ‘in conversation’ event looking at his life and career so far.

In a generous gesture, Mr Gatiss doubled the £5,000 raised on the night to ensure £10,000 was donated to the Mayor’s Charities – the Butterwick Hospice and the Phoenix Centre at Catterick Garrison.

The year ended on a high note for the community of Cockerton with the news that the local library could be saved with the help of volunteer co-ordinators eVOLution. Negotiations will continue into the new year.