THE world's largest paint maker is to cut 3,500 jobs by 2011 in a cost-cutting drive which could hit its Prudhoe workforce.

Akzo Nobel, which bought ICI in an £8bn deal earlier this year, said the move to trim costs would lead to extra savings of £79m. Most of the jobs will go in the Decorative Paints business in North America and Europe, the firm said.

The company employs about 900 people at International Paints in Gateshead and 80 people at its Hammerite plant in Prudhoe, but yesterday would not detail where cuts would be made.

Prudhoe Youth Club Ladies won 4-1 away to Newcastle Medics with four different scorers winning the match.

On 12 minutes, Joanna Wood fired home from close range with a well-finished right foot goal, following a cross from Kayleigh Arkless.

On 40 minutes there was an inspired solo goal by Amy Nicholson, scored from 18 yards out with the right foot. The move originally started with some good work from Carlie Blackburn.

TYNEDALE are set to hand former Sale Shark and England Under-21 international James Hoyle a debut as they look to negotiate a tricky trip to Launceston.

Summer signing Hoyle, now 22, has been out for five weeks after sustaining an injury in pre-season but after coming through this week's training sessions unscathed, the former Newcastle Falcons winger is in line for his belated bow.

Hoyle's presence will add more pace from the wing, where speedy loan man Danny Williams is in line for a second start after making a scoring debut against Wharfedale.

NEWCASTLE United player Joey Barton is paying his dues to society by clearing rubbish at West Wylam Community Centre.

The 26-year-old midfielder is serving 200 hours community service for beating a former teammate unconscious.

He now spends up to eight hours a week piling rubbish into skips at the centre in
Prudhoe.

Newcastle United legend Peter Beardsley will be guest starring at the annual Prudhoe Youth Club FC sports dinner.

Each year the club holds a fundraiser to try to bring in cash for the team's season, and this year it is on November 7 at the Glenside in Mickley.

Tickets cost £25 per person and a four course meal is included.

Tickets for Prudhoe's Dragon Tale panto are now on sale.

This year the panto is Dick Whittington and it will be staged in the Arts Centre, Prudhoe High School, from October 29 to November 1. It starts at 7.30pm start on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with 2pm and 7pm starts on Saturday.

Tickets are available from Ian Warburton on 01661 833614.

TISSUE manufacturer SCA Hygiene in Prudhoe has donated £600 to the Prudhoe in Bloom committee to pay for this year's trophies.

The money will also go towards hiring the parish hall for the awards event which takes place on Saturday, September 20.

Winners will represent the town in the regional heat of Northumbria in Bloom, which is followed by the national awards.

A PLAN to set up a £3m indoor tennis centre in Tynedale has been backed by local clubs.

A David Lloyd-style centre, with four indoor courts and another four floodlit outdoor courts could be built with the backing of retired orthopaedic surgeon Roman Skowronski, of Bardon Mill, Northumberland.

The centre, which is yet to be given a definite location, would also have a gym, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi as well as a viewing gallery and a cafe.

TRADERS have spoken of their disappointment after it emerged the Duke of Northumberland's £30m overhaul of Prudhoe town centre will go ahead.

Government Office for the North East, acting on behalf of the Secretary of State, confirmed it will not be calling in Tynedale Council's decision to inquiry.

The plans, which include a Sainsbury's store, a multi-storey car park and more than 150 new homes, was given the green light by the council's planning committee in June.

But the application was passed to Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Hazel Blears to decide whether a public inquiry should be held, as there was some diversion from Tynedale's local plan.

Prudhoe, the Newcastle and District League Champions, were unlucky not to win the Hadrian League Field Day at Matfen Hall, captured by Hexham after a scorecard error promoted them from second place.

Both Prudhoe's David Craig and his marker signed for an incorrect score on one hole. Craig was automatically disqualified, although the mistake would otherwise not have altered the standings. Ironically, Craig is a former member of Hexham.

Hadrian League secretary Colin Mussett said: "It was a innocent error - a total accident - but the rules allow for no other option."