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.

A contractor has been appointed to carry out a £27m overhaul of a Northumberland borough's housing stock.

Berwick Borough Housing (BBH) has chosen Gentoo Construction to refurbish its 1,900 homes including some in Belford and Seahouses, bringing them up to Decent Homes standard over the next five years.

Berwick Borough Council's housing stock was transferred to BBH and partner Three Rivers Housing Association last month. This followed a 78.8% 'yes' vote from 1,753 council tenants last year.

A Northumberland branch of a football supporters' club has held its Christmas get-together.

North Northumberland Carlisle United Travelling Supporters group met at The Salmon Inn, Belford. More than 35 members attended.

Belford Craft Gallery will feature 16 artists from the region next year.

Exhibitions start at Easter with work by Berwick artist Katie Bishop, showing with Jenny Calver, of Auchencrow, Berwickshire.

At Whitsun, Peter Podmore of West Newton, Wooler, exhibits pastel drawings.

Berwick Borough Housing has launched a new confidential service for victims of domestic abuse.

The 24-hour helpline is 0800 046-1451.

Plans have been entered for the creation of a restaurant and hot food takeaway in a seaside village.

Mohammed Ahmed has lodged a planning application for change of use of premises on Main Street in Seahouses.

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 Berwick borough meeting will be held in the Tweed Street CAB conference room in Berwick at 10.30am on the 16th.

A former darts world champion took on all-comers in Belford on Friday night.

John Lowe, who won the Embassy World Professional Darts Championship three times in three decades, was at the Salmon Inn.

He played 15 games of 701 against people who had come through qualifying rounds organised by the pub.

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.

A new appointment-only service is to be introduced by Berwick Citizens Advice Bureau at their weekly outreach services in Belford, Wooler and Seahouses.

The new arrangement will come into force next month and follows an increase in the demand for advice mainly as a result of the economic climate.