TEN years ago, it was hoped plans for a cutting-edge £38m pharmaceutical factory in a North-East town could provide a booster shot worth billions to the UK's economy, in July 2013.

Darlington was chosen as the home of a national centre of excellence for the research into and manufacturing of so-called biologic medicines, including antibodies and vaccines that could one day offer cures for untreatable diseases.

The announcement by the Department for Business (BIS) on July 31, 2013, was part of a £93m package of support measures for the UK's health industries.

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The development was widely welcomed, with Darlington Borough Council leader Bill Dixon hailing it as the biggest industrial investment in Darlington in a generation.

Redcar-based technology development organisation Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) was responsible for managing the centre, which would create an estimated 40 jobs initially.

Guns rang out on July 30, 2013 to mark a First World War bombardment that killed 127 people, and to launch a £400,000 history project.

The Heugh Battery, on the Headland at Hartlepool, was chosen as the venue to launch a two-year project to mark the 100th anniversary of the Great War in 2014.

The Arts Council-funded initiative was designed to interest people across the Tees Valley and was to include exhibitions, family history and school projects.

The project, funded with £394,775 from the Art Council, included a commemorative performance at the Heugh Battery on December 16, 2014, exactly 100 years after the bombardment.

There was also be events where people could share stories of their family's involvement in the war.

Wartime memories and the golden era of motor racing were also rekindled in August 2013.

Thousands of visitors flocked to Croft Circuit, near Darlington, to watch more than 200 vintage racing cars and their drivers.

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The annual weekend was a celebration of all forms of transport and attracts more than 600 vehicles.

Part of the circuit was transformed into a Second World War Army camp where US GIs rubbed shoulders with members of the German wehrmacht.

Enthusiasts dressed in authentic costumes to mingle with the crowds.