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 Druridge Bay 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 four 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."

MP Sir Alan Beith travelled to Buckingham Palace yesterday to received his knighthood from the Queen.

The Berwick representative and longest-serving Liberal Democrat MP, whose constituency covers the Widdrington area, said he was still surprised when people refer to him with the prestigious title.

Sir Alan, who has been MP for 35 years and is former deputy leader of the party, said: "It's good for democracy for Parliament to be recognised as something that is good for the community."

North Northumberland Football League Division One leaders Berwick Town proved too strong for Craster Rovers as they netted six before half time and another five after the break.

Rob Armstrong netted four, Andrew Gibson three and there was one goal apiece for Jordan Ainslie, Thiago Ferreira, Alan Jess and Sean Simpson.

Plans to build a new house on the outskirts of the seaside village of Cresswell, Northumberland have been approved by Castle Morpeth Council's development committee despite protests.

The dwelling, next to the Manor House on the southern edge of the village, was granted permission despite claims by some residents and local councillors that it will harm the character of the area.

Families who have lived next to a massive opencast coal mine for almost 20 years are now facing the possibility that it could be replaced by a stand of giant wind turbines.

UK Coal has earmarked the 1,500-acre Stobswood surface mine in Northumberland - where coal extraction started in 1990 and is due to end before Christmas - as a potential location for a wind farm.

The success of this year's Northumberland County Show has benefited a number of local charities.

With 26,500 visitors going through the gates, the Tynedale Agricultural Society has been able to donate thousands of pounds to charities and donate 10 free trade spaces at next year's event.

A wildlife sanctuary threatened with closure because of rising costs and falling visitor numbers has been inundated with offers of help.

More than 50 people have contacted the Sanctuary Wildlife Care Centre in Northumberland to donate money or promise food for the animals since The Journal revealed its plight a week ago.

A man who was on bail for cruelty to horses allowed another mare to starve in a bitterly cold muddy field.

Two vets fought for hours to save the chestnut mare, Sunshine, but she was too weakened by neglect and starvation to survive.

There was a 4-0 victory for East Chevington over Morpeth Chantry in Division Two of the Morpeth Sunday League at the weekend, which left the club in fourth place, though on the same points total as Morpeth Waterford Lodge and Bedlington Station.