Historic Seaton Delaval Hall lit up brightly in the night time sky last night as part of an annual winter festival spreading colour across the region.

The building was once again a high-profile part of Northumberland Lights's "Guerrilla Lighting" programme, helping to highlight the National Trust's campaign to save it from being sold to private owners.

A man has been charged after a raid on a Northumberland bookmakers earlier this month in which a lone female assistant was threatened.

Police were called at 9.30pm on October 13 after the robbery at Chisholm Bookmakers in Avenue Road, Seaton Delaval, when a male escaped with what was described as a small amount of money.

Andrew Wylie, 32, of Linden Road, Seaton Delaval, has been charged with robbery.

A community yesterday embraced the bid to secure Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland for public enjoyment.

Around 750 pupils and parents from Seaton Delaval and Seaton Sluice walked from their school grounds to the 18th Century hall.

Prompt action is needed to tackle a looming shortage of burial space in Northumberland's most heavily-populated area, according to a new report.

Available burial plots in Blyth Valley cemeteries and churchyards are said to be running out. A local working group is now calling on the county's new unitary council to address the issue as a matter of urgency.

A stunning school garden which allows youngsters to experience nature right outside their classrooms has been chosen as the best of its kind in the region.

Pupils, staff, governors and parents at Seghill First School in Northumberland are celebrating after their colourful green haven won first prize and gold medal in the Northumbria in Bloom contest.

The school is built around an enclosed middle garden with two magnificent flowering cherry trees, but also boasts extensive outdoor areas which include a wilderness zone and small pond where children seek out wildlife.