Prudhoe Town, whose performances if not their results, have improved recently, are stranded at the bottom of the table with just one win and seven points from 18 games.

Even so, they held Thornaby for 45 minutes although it took a couple of outstanding saves by goalkeeper Aidan Ames to keep the Tynesiders in the game.

People in Northumberland are getting good adult social care, according to a new national inspection.

The Commission for Social Care Inspection has given Northumberland's adult services department a two-star rating, and says it has "excellent capacity" for improvement.

Northumberland's countryside service is encouraging people to consider winter walks at Tyne Riverside Country Park.

Mike Jeffrey, Countryside Access and Recreation Manager at Northumberland County Council, said: "There's nothing better on a frosty day than a bracing walk through the countryside. The parks in Northumberland are great places to get out to in the winter months.

"The parks have something for everyone, from lakeside, woodland and open grassed areas to meadows, river banks, beaches and sand dunes. With plenty of trails to explore, it's the perfect place for some fresh air, to stretch your legs, have a winter picnic or take photographs of the fantastic views."

Profits at one of the region's best known building services companies have risen by 70% and with the cash being added to reserves it is now well-placed for a tough road ahead.

Demolition and earthworks contractor Thompsons of Prudhoe saw pre-tax profit rise from £1.3m to £2.2m on the back of a slight increase in turnover to £30.4m.

People in Northumberland are being urged to have their say on executive decision-making arrangements for the county's new super-council which takes over in April.

Consultations on the issue close on Friday so residents are being reminded to comment before it is too late.

The heat will be on tonight as three contenders offering the cream of North East cuisine battle to be crowned the region's local food hero.

The Feathers Inn at Hedley on the Hill, near Prudhoe, Colmans fish and chip restaurant in South Shields and the Weardale Organic Soup Company - which recently changed its name to Weardale Coeliac's Choice - will fight it out under the watchful eyes of celebrity chefs Gary Rhodes and Brian Turner for the North East Local Food Hero title.

People in a Northumberland town are being urged to have their say on a development before it turns their community into "Zombieville".

Traders in Prudhoe are holding a meeting on Friday to give businesses and residents the chance to make their views known on the redevelopment of the town centre before it is too late.

The Duke of Northumberland's Estates has already secured planning permission for the project which will see a new Sainsbury's store and 150 homes built.

Basement side Prudhoe Town almost produced a shock in Division Two when they twice led leaders Norton and Stockton Ancients.

Michael Dunwell levelled both times. Just before the end Prudhoe were denied a point as Alan Cossavella grabbed the winner.

Hairy Biker Simon King is looking forward to Christmas back at home in Prudhoe after switching on the Newcastle Christmas lights.

Dressed in green elf costumes with TV partner Dave Myers, they were warmly welcomed on stage by the crowd.

They also brought a TV crew along on to the stage with them, as they are filming the Christmas switch-on as part of their Christmas special episode.

Police emailed the personal details of suspected criminals to 150 farmers. Members of the Northumberland Farm Watch scheme were stunned when they opened the message to discover the names, dates of birth and addresses of dozens of alleged offenders.

Red-faced officers sent a follow-up message two days later when the error was spotted, asking the farmers not to read the information and to delete it immediately.