Three-tier education could be retained in parts of Northumberland - three years after a huge petition to keep it.

A major review of education plans in the county could now ditch the controversial intention to scrap all 44 middle schools.

The original plan to convert the entire county to a system of primary and secondary education is likely to be scrapped as part of a revised Putting The Learner First (PLF) strategy.

Emotional Woolworths workers were drowning their sorrows at farewell parties last night.

A total of 150 stores across the UK closed yesterday - with the rest due to follow early next week.

Among the workers was Susan Chrisp from Widdrington, who has worked at Woolworths for 32 years since leaving school aged 16.

In Division One of the Morpeth Sunday League, the top two both won at home to keep their title hopes up.

Current leaders Traveller's Rest, Choppington saw Steven Young grab a brace in their 2-0 win over Stobhill Social Club.

Lynemouth, three points behind with a game in hand, scored six without reply as they hosted Alnmouth Argyle. Andrew Spratt scored four, along with goals from Pascal Butters and Iain Nickalls.

A frustrated couple are set to take legal action against their local council to secure almost £6,000 in compensation which a town hall watchdog says they are entitled to.

Denise and Stuart Howard say they will launch legal proceedings after Castle Morpeth Council refused to accept a ruling by the influential Local Government Ombudsman that it should pay them the money.

The move follows a long-running dispute over materials which the council insisted the couple use when they built their log cabin-style home in the village of Hadston.

A new partnership launched to drive forward economic regeneration work in some of Northumberland's most deprived areas has been welcomed by a local Labour MP.

The South East Northumberland Area Partnership - which will cover Blyth Valley, Wansbeck and part of Castle Morpeth - will have a key role to play following local government reorganisation in April.

Budget proposals - including proposed efficiency savings and likely Council Tax levels - for Northumberland's new unitary council will be discussed at a series of area committee meetings in January, which are open to the public.

The Castle Morpeth meeting will be held in Stannington Village Hall at 2pm on the 21st and the Wansbeck meeting at a venue yet to be confirmed at 10.30am on the 14th.

Two drivers remained in hospital with serious injuries last night after their vehicles were involved in a crash near one of Northumberland's biggest employers.

They were both described as stable in Ashington's Wansbeck General Hospital following the collision on the C123 road close to the Alcan aluminium smelter at Lynemouth on Saturday morning.

A fire chief has strongly denied claims that 999 cover is being over-stretched in Northumberland - although he admits that the service is currently operating with 19 firefighters short.

County chief fire officer, Brian Hesler, has slammed what he described as "scaremongering" over fire and rescue cover and an alleged shortage of front-line firefighters.

Champions Lynemouth moved to within three points of leaders Traveller's Rest, Choppington with a 2-0 win over Linton and Woodhorn SC in Division One.

Goals from Andrew Johnson and David Brown secured the three points to close the gap on the leaders, and Lynemouth have a game in hand.

Pegswood Ex-Services lifted themselves into third position with a 2-1 win at Red Row Brick Club. Stuart Marshall netted for the Brick Club, but goals from Stephen Dolan and Lee McAndrew clinched the win for the visitors.

Shilbottle CW beat Bedlington Terriers reserves 3-1 in the North Northumberland Football League.

A 13th minute goal from Michael Douglas gave Bedlington a half-time lead but Shilbottle hit back to take the points with Richard Brown, David Davison and David Punton.

Elsewhere Berwick United reserves made the short trip to Belford and won a thrilling game 3-2.