The factories were largely staffed by thousands of women, dubbed the "Aycliffe Angels", who bravely took up the dangerous work.

To end this once and for all, Beveridge proposed a state system of Social Security benefits, a National Health Service, council housing, free education and full employment.

Beveridge, committed as he was to his vision for the emerging social landscape of postwar Britain, also took up residence in the Pease Way area of his flagship new town.

is now Hydro Polymers; meanwhile, Union Carbide was taken over by STC (Standard Telephone and Cables) before being taken over by Sanyo for several years, but this has now closed.

Businesses currently located in the town include Flymo, 3M, Ebac and Ineos (who have taken over Hydro Polymers) with many more small factory units.

One of the largest factories in the district is Gestamp Tallent (Formerly Thyssenkrupp), which now holds 7 plants around the industrial estate.

Within a radius of 10 miles (16 km) are several towns and villages including Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Shildon and Heighington.

It was located on the northern side of the Woodham Burn stream and to the East of the A167 that cuts through the site in a north–south direction.

Newton Aycliffe, in common with many of the post war "New Towns" consisted originally of mostly social / public housing, a large proportion of which is now privately owned.

The Huntsman Public house is also situated on the same central green, whilst the Woodham Golf and Country Club lies a short way to the north of the main development, on the road to Rushyford.

Recently the area has been expanded by more housing developments increasing the size of the village by a notable amount.

The A1(M), which runs between Edinburgh and London, passes near to the town; it provides as an alternative route to Durham and Newcastle.

The town has bus services provided by Arriva North East to Bishop Auckland, Durham, Darlington, Spennymoor, Ferryhill, Peterlee and Sedgefield.

Darlington is well equipped for injuries such as broken bones, severe abdominal pain which may require surgery, eye conditions and maternity and baby cases.

For cancer treatments a visit many miles away to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough is required.