Heighington, County Durham

infobox UK place
country = England
static_

static_image_caption =
latitude = 54.59537
longitude = -1.61685
official_name = Heighington
population =
shire_district= Darlington
shire_county = County Durham
region = North East England
constituency_westminster =
post_town =
postcode_district =
postcode_area =
dial_code =
os_grid_reference = NZ248223

Heighington is a village in the borough of Darlington and ceremonial county of County Durham, England. It is situated between Darlington and Shildon, near Newton Aycliffe. One of its most significant features is St Michael's Church - a Norman church, except for the 13th century south aisle. the 19th century north aisle and the 15th century tower.The rarest feature of this church is said to be the pre-Reformation oak pulpit with six traceried linen fold panels with an inscription bearing prayers for its donor: an Alexander Flettcher and his wife Agnes.

Heighington also boasts a Methodist Chapel, but this is being converted into affordable housing due to lack of interest. The more recent expansion of the village is in the area around Pinewood Crescent and the area around the Beech Crescent, Manor Court and Orchard Gardens, built 1997.

It is also known for its Spar shop and four pubs, The Cumby Arms, Bay Horse, George And Dragon and The Dog Inn, which lies just outside of the village.

The village - up until recent years - was home to a Post Office (which included a shop) next to the village green. That shop closed down and the Post Office, along with the postbox, has been relocated to the village hall.

Since the turn of the millennium, a field on the outskirts of the village (on the way to Shildon and Bishop Auckland) has been converted into a football field. This site is currently undergoing development, including the construction of an adventure playground.

In 2006 Heighington beat 11 other villages around the UK to become the BBC's "Perfect Village".

Heighington CE Primary School is a voluntary controlled Church of England primary school located in Hopelands. It educates around 260 pupils aged 4-11. It has been assessed by Ofsted as providing an outstanding education. [http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/pdf/?inspectionNumber=289842&providerCategoryID=4096&fileName=\school\114\rti2_114223_20070614.pdf "Heighington Church of England Primary School"] , Ofsted, 22 May 2007]

References