A former Northumberland coal mining stronghold will find out today if it has won the title of the UK's enterprise capital.
The Wansbeck area of Northumberland is one of 12 finalists in the prestigious Enterprising Britain competition.
Earlier this year it was chosen as the North East winner of the contest - and in the summer a team of judges visited the area and met some of the new businesses which have received help from the Go Wansbeck agency.
In this weekend's Northern League fixture Bedlington Terriers failed to recover at Billingham Synthonia who struck twice in the opening half through James Magowan and Danny Earl.
Elsewhere, Ashington left it late before defeating Norton and Stockton Ancients with a last-minute winner by Scott Blandford, after Joe Race had cancelled out Sonny Andrews' first-half effort. The goals continue to flow for the two leading sides, and although Whitley Bay are the top marksmen, it's Spennymoor Town who are at the top.
A South East Northumberland local history group have compiled footage that brings back to life the horror of what war in the North East was like.
From German aircraft landing on rooftops to the VE Day celebrations across the region, a new DVD has been produced to show how the area both suffered and survived the Second World War.
The rare archive footage showing places was brought together to remember how millions of men, women and children coped during one of the worst conflicts in history.
Hundreds of youngsters are being challenged to make money grow as part of a drive to foster a new spirit of enterprise.
About 1,500 school pupils in Wansbeck are joining forces with local companies of all sizes, who are investing thousands of pounds in the project.
From left, Callum Gardner- Kerr, Reece Aitmann, Suzi Howey of Food Local Food, David Turner and Joseph Beers at St Benet Biscop High School
Make £5 Grow is the brainchild of the Wansbeck Education Enterprise Network (WEEN).
Below is a sneak preview of how tourism bosses believe Northumberland's identity could be portrayed in the future.
It follows an announcement from Northumberland Tourism that it plans to "present a new face to the world" in 2010.
As part of a re-focussing of advertising and promotion the travel chiefs are aiming to lure more big-spending holidaymakers to the area.
The transformation of Bedlington reaches another landmark later this month with the completion of major improvements to the historic Market Place.
They are part of a £1.25m townscape heritage initiative, funded by Northumberland County Council and Heritage Lottery Fund, with additional funds from Northumberland Local Transport Plan.
The improvements will once again establish the Market Place as the focal point of Bedlington and, to mark this, the official reopening ceremony at 4pm on December 3 will also see the switch-on of the town's Christmas lights.
Families can give the gift of a greener lifestyle this Christmas.
Northumberland Warm Zone is offering people the chance to buy loft or cavity wall insulation as a present for a family member or friend.
For the basic cost of £129 the Warm Zone team will arrange for a voucher and card to be sent to them.
A leaked report has laid bare the full extent of a £16m package of cuts being drawn up by council bosses in Northumberland.
Details of Northumberland County Council's draft budget for 2010/11 will go to the Liberal Democrat controlled authority's executive later this month, with the anticipated savings coming in at £15.772m.
The document proposes a series of cuts across all council departments, with areas worst affected set to include highways, adult care, youth services, libraries, leisure centres, public transport and refuse collection.
Bedlington Terriers enjoyed a four-goal victory over West Auckland Town in the Northern League with Tony Shandran, Steve Bowey, Gareth McAlindon and Jamie Poole all beating goalkeeper Nick Thomas.
Elsewhere, a powerful second-half performance was rewarded with three goals as table-topping Spennymoor Town ended comfortable winners in the local derby at Shildon, while second-placed Whitley Bay trailed for 47 minutes at Newcastle Benfield before a strong finish earned them the points.
Ashington remain third and they comfortably won at Ryton with strikes from Joe Race, Robbie Cockburn and Mark O'Dea. South Shields made it seven wins on the trot and are equal on points with the Colliers.
Brothers Trevor and James Crooks took the plunge into the freezing sea at Cambois to raise money for Children in Need last week.
Trevor, 11, and James, 13, collected sponsorship from family, as well as friends at West Sleekburn Middle School and Bedlingtonshire High School. Mum Coreen said: "I'm really proud of them. They have raised more than £115 so far and every bit helps."
John Potts Fencing & Sheds -
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