THE Government announced a major shake-up in the Armed Forces across the UK on November 8, 2016 – including making Catterick a so-called “super garrison.”

Catterick Garrison was set to become one of the UK’s main military centres and be home for two new strike brigades of mechanised infantry.

However, the major review saw many smaller sites around the country, including four in North Yorkshire, being sold off to raise cash for defence.

It was billed as the biggest shake-up of the Armed Forces estate since the Second World War.

Following the announcement by Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, minister of state for the Armed Forces Mike Penning visited 4th Infantry Brigade at Gaza Barracks in Catterick Garrison.

He said the changes would mean great investment in the garrison – with an influx of around 2,000 extra troops.

“Yorkshire and the North East will gain hugely from this investment, with Catterick becoming home to two new strike brigades,” he said.

“The changes we are making will mean that our Armed Forces and their families across the region will be able to work in and benefit from the world class facilities they deserve.”

In the US, Donald Trump held out the hand of reconciliation to friends and enemies alike after a stunning victory in the race to the White House.

The new President-elect praised his opponent Hillary Clinton after months of calling for her to be locked up.

The controversial tycoon, who easily achieved the 270 US electoral college votes needed to secure victory, sought to unite the country behind his leadership by promising to renew the American dream.

He also sought to calm fears that America under Trump would turn its back on the world, saying: “We will seek common ground not hostility, partnership not conflict.”

Finally, a County Durham town took the brunt of the snowfall as the first major shower swept across the UK.

The deepest level seen by the Met Office was recorded in Barnard Castle which was left under 13cm of snow.

Meanwhile, people across the region faced disruption as the cold snap caused travel headaches for motorists, airports, bus companies and schools.

Several centimetres of snow fell across a swathe of the country from the Peak District northwards and into Scotland.

In the region, wintry scenes were captured at Hamsterley Forest, Tow Law, and Bowes where commuters battled with the conditions.

High-level routes across the Pennines were hit by the snow which fell across the north of the country from Tuesday evening.

Highways England issued a severe weather alert, urging motorists in the north of England to check conditions before setting out and ensure they had a winter kit in their vehicles.

On the previous Tuesday, the AA said it had experienced its busiest day of the year so far with more than 10,000 calls, and many drivers had flat batteries.