A 1,800-YEAR-OLD carved stone head of what was believed to be a Roman god was unearthed in an ancient rubbish dump, in July 2013.

First year Durham University archaeology student Alex Kirton made the discovery in what was probably a bath house at Binchester Roman Fort, Bishop Auckland.

The sandstone head, which was about 20cm by 10cm and dates from the second or third century, was likened to the Celtic deity Antenociticus, thought to have been worshipped as a source of inspiration and intercession in military affairs.

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A similar sandstone head, with an inscription identifying it as Antenociticus, was found at Benwell, in Newcastle, in 1862.

Mallard was reunited with its five sister engines on the anniversary of its unbroken speed record – a result of the region's historic rail expertise.

On July 5, 2013, Mallard took its place among five other surviving A4s to a brass band fanfare at the National Railway Museum, in York – 75 years to the day since the train officially became the world's fastest steam locomotive.

Mallard reached 126mph on the East Coast Main Line near Grantham on July 3, 1938 – a record which has never been surpassed.

The reunion of all six of the illustrious engines was described as a once-in-a-lifetime event by organisers.

The other five trains were Sir Nigel Gresley, regularly seen on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway; Dwight D Eisenhower, which had to be transported from the US; Union of South Africa; Bittern; and Dominion of Canada.

Giving birth beside the road was an all too frequent event for mother-of-seven Amanda Owen by July 2013.

This time, the Yorkshire Dales shepherdess only managed to make it three miles to a lay-by at Keld before the ambulance had to pull over.

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Happily, a healthy baby girl weighing 7lb was born minutes later.

Mrs Owen, 38, who farms with her husband, Clive, at Ravenseat, at the top of Swaledale, rarely has simple births.

Because she has fast labours and lives so far away from medical help, she is now not allowed to give birth at home and must call the ambulance rather than set off for the hospital with her husband.