A Prudhoe factory has created graduate engineering traineeships as part of an exciting new programme.

SCA Hygiene Products is seeking to employ Graduate Process Engineers at its Prudhoe paper mill and recycling plant.

The new positions will operate as part of SCA's Graduate Accelerator Programme (GAP), a dedicated two-year development scheme designed to develop technical and leadership skills.

Written by Kevin O'Hara, conservation officer at Northumberland Wildlife Trust

Where do they all go in winter? - Part 1

Recently I felt the first twangs of winter; the 'first frost' gripped my garden, the chickens came skidding out of their ark, and I had to break the ice on their drinking water. I really like those first days, when we still have some daylight left to enjoy the wonderful colours and smells. I take the camera and binoculars with me when I walk the dogs, keeping an eye out for winter thrushes or other visitors. The clocks have altered and we start the long haul of winter - not until February will some real light return to the sky, and warmth to the sun.

It is during these months that we wonder where, exactly, many of our resident wildlife species go to survive the coldest and wettest days of winter, especially those that are more delicate and less mobile.

Scouts got a taste of the working life, as well as a helping hand towards a trip abroad.

East Hadrian Explorer Scouts received £2,775 from SCA Hygiene in Prudhoe towards a group trip to Croatia, after a planned fundraiser at Ovingham Goose Fair was washed out. In return, the group helped out SCA by taking part in a repack challenge to prepare product for one of the firm's UK customers.

The unit gained work experience and also received first-hand experience of timekeeping, working as a team, targets and an appreciation of Health and Safety procedures.

Daft as a Brush is a cancer patient transport charity that takes patients, free of charge, to hospital appointments in your area. Why not join us as a volunteer driver or companion. Visit our website www.daftasabrush.org.uk or give us a ring on 0191 23 28 999. We need you!

A dancing club is holding a lively weekly event with a great atmosphere.

Jivedown Dance Club on West Road, Prudhoe, is on every Thursday night at Prudhoe and Mickley Unionist Club (The Tory Club). There's great music and it's a great opportunity to make new friends. You don't need to bring a partner.

Beginners Class is at 8-8.45pm, and freestyle is on until 10.30pm. It costs £3 on the door.

For more information please ring Edna or Joe on 01830 530196 or 07977079323 or go to www.jivedown.co.uk

Sent in by Lorna Hodgson

I have just signed up for the Great North Fitness Revolution.

I am a Fitness Instructor myself - aged 70 yrs - and would just like to pass on information to anyone interested in a 'ZUMBATHON' workout!

James Atkinson of Stanhope, Weardale has sent in some fascinating old newspaper clippings which he found in an old family scrap book.

The story is about the felling of a giant larch tree at Whittle Dene, Ovingham. James' grandfather was involved, along with his friend Bob and brother Herbert, all from Hamsterley.

Click to view the pictures in a larger size.

Sent in by Bridget Broadhurst

This year's Goose Fair, which raises money for the upkeep of Ovingham Reading Room (Village Hall), will take place on the village green on Saturday 18th June. The fair will open at 12.00 noon, with the procession through the village of dancers, local groups and children in fancy dress winding its way through the village at 1.00 pm. The fair will be formally opened with the traditional proclamation.

A fair selling geese was held on the Village Green in the 1800's, the geese having been walked from the Carlisle area. The fair later ceased, but it was revived as a traditional village fair in 1969 by the Reading Room Committee. It has been held every year since then, getting more popular every year. As usual the two resident geese will have pride of place, although no geese are sold now!

Photos shared by members of our Northumberland group on the Flickr photo-sharing website. Click on a photo to see the caption and to view it in a larger size.

You can join the Flickr group to share your own local photos, or send them to northumberland@ncjmedia.co.uk.

For keen watchers of golf, the finale of the Northumberland 72 hole County Championship matched the excitement of football's Premier League shoot out today.
Matthew Webb from the host club, Bedlington, & 15 year old Jack Hermiston (City of Newcastle) led the field of 68 top amateurs for all four rounds.