World Cup winner Sir Bobby Charlton has been voted the Greatest Living Northumbrian in a poll on the Your Place microsites.

The Ashington-born footballer won 27% of the votes, beating actor Robson Green (17%) and comedian Ross Noble (15%).

Other nominees in the poll were Sir Bobby's brother Jack, musician Kathryn Tickell, cricketer Steve Harmison, the Duchess of Northumberland and darts commentator Sid Waddell.

Girl guides braved the cold to give a boost to a nature reserve.

The First Seaton Delaval Girl Guides helped Northumberland Wildlife Trust by painting a mural in the public bird hide at Holywell Pond reserve.

The mural, which showcases the variety of wildlife often seen at the pond, including northern marsh orchids, grey herons, greenfinches and hedgehogs, should brighten up the hide for visitors.

The guides have also been involved in community litter picks at East Cramlington Local Nature Reserve and have taken part in wildlife explorer events.

A package of new safety measures on a stretch of dangerous road are due to be completed today.

Two 40mph advisory signs and chevrons have been installed on part of the 60mph B1322 road between Backworth, North Tyneside and Seghill, Northumberland.

Anti-skid surfacing will be laid today. It follows calls from local residents for safety improvements on the road, the scene of more than 30 collisions in the past three years, two of them fatal.

Heddon beat Seaton Delaval 3-2 at Bullocksteads in a semi-final tie of the Northern Alliance's Bosch Power Tools Challenge Cup.

Joe Kerry, Craig Horsfall and David Edwardson were Heddon's scorers with Craig Johnson and Stephen Anderson replying in vain for Delaval.

There was an abundance of goals in Heaton Stannington's third round tie at home to First Division opponents Stocksfield in the Longhorn Hardware League Cup.

A serial burglar who spent decades touring the region and raiding rural homes has begun a nine-year jail term.

Anthony Graham targeted wealthy families in Northumberland, Cumbria and North Yorkshire, creeping into their isolated properties and making off with treasured possessions.

The 50-year-old even plundered an historic castle of expensive antiques in his 30-year career as a "professional burglar".

After last week's fun poll to find Northumberland's favourite castle, this week we turn our attention to the important matter of finding the Greatest Living Northumbrian.

After much discussion in the Your Place office, we have come up with eight people who we think sum up all that is great about Northumberland.

From the world of sport, you can choose between World Cup winners Bobby and Jack Charlton, and the Ashington Express Steve Harmison. There's also comedian Ross Noble, folk musician Kathryn Tickell, actor Robson Green and darts commentator Sid Waddell. Finally, we've added the Duchess of Northumberland into the mix for her work in developing the Alnwick Garden.

You can vote below for your choice and the results will be revealed next Friday.

Northumberland's new unitary council has received a national award for its planning service.

The authority was given a commendation by the Royal Town Planning Institute for the innovative way it is merging the existing planning services in Northumberland.

A new range of free courses is being put on this month at venues throughout the county.

The short bitesize courses provide an introduction into a variety of subjects, and include Computer Essentials, Working in Renewable Energies, Introduction to Alternative Therapy, Introduction to Retail Skills and Do You Want to Work in Tourism?

A guide which aims to help older people in Northumberland make the most of their lives has been produced for a third time by popular demand.

A fundraising campaign to drum up sponsorship has allowed the publication of the latest edition of the Golden Guide for Older People.

A major networking event is being planned to bring together all of the people who serve the community.

The Seaton Valley Community Networking Event is for any organisation that provides a service to the villages and communities in the Seaton Valley area, including Seaton Sluice, Seaton Delaval, Holywell, New Hartley and Seghill.

The aim is to bring these groups together so they know of each others' existence, and will be able to work together to improve their services to the community.