A community centre that helps out the elderly living in Northumberland has struck gold.

Bell View Resource Centre was presented with the gold accolade 'Healthy People, Healthy Business' from Northumberland Care Trust officials at a conference at The Britannia Hotel, Newcastle Airport.

The centre was awarded the gong for the way it encourages staff, volunteers and service users to keep fit and healthy. It recognises Bell View as an exemplar of good practise in workplace health and acknowledges the work and time they have invested in achieving this honour.

Pictured: Paul Harrison and Sharon Allan from Bell View receive the award from Patrick Price, lead manager for Health Improvement at Northumberland Care Trust

A Northumberland charity has been recognised for its commitment to the community.

Bell View, which is based in Belford, were awarded the Outstanding Organisation crown in the North East Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) awards 2009.

Bill Hickey (left) and Centre Manager Paul Harrison receive the award on behalf of Bell View from Gillian Miller of the Learning and Skills Council

The prize was presented at a glittering regional ceremony attended by over 180 people.

Voluntary and community groups in Northumberland have been warned they are facing a reduction in funding for their work - because of the recession and tough budget savings required by the county council.

However, County Hall bosses have reassured the sector that a funding package of £1.3m will still be available next year. Budget proposals recommend more money for charities directly supporting those people worst affected by the recession.

These will include services such as credit unions and the Citizens' Advice Bureau.

A group of 16 helicopter cadets from RAF Cranwell touched down at Holburn Moss to help Northumberland Wildlife Trust with the removal of birch trees and ditch damming.

With environmental challenges becoming increasingly important throughout the UK, the group were keen to offer support to the Trust in its work to protect and preserve Northumberland's stunning natural habitat.

Artists have pooled their works to create a colourful calendar.

The art group which meets at Bell View in Belford chose pictures they had made of the area for a 2010 calendar. All proceeds after costs are covered will be used for the charity and its activities.

To get a copy, go to the reception desk at Bell View or phone (01668) 219220.

The friendly and informal art group meets from 2-4pm on Wednesdays and would welcome new members.

Youngsters have begun transforming a coastal site for people and wildlife.

Young rangers in Seahouses secured funding from the Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) and the eaga Community Fund from the Community Foundation.

The £20,000 grant will be used to improve a former limestone quarry for visiting humans and animals.

Young people have won funding to improve the wildlife value of an old limestone quarry.

The Young Rangers on the Coast group will be working on the Quarryfields site, which is next to their base in Seahouses in Northumberland.

The Young Rangers Project is a joint initiative of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership and the Seahouses Youth Project, managed by the North Sunderland and Seahouses Development Trust.

A group of healthy Northumbrians have received national recognition for their efforts and are inviting others to join them.

Bell View Walking for Health group has been awarded accreditation by Walking the Way to Health, a Natural England initiative. Now they are looking for more people to come along on their organised walks.

They received the accolade because of their walks for beginners, as well as meeting various standards.

Grants are being made available to community groups in Northumberland.

The Northumberland Coast and Lowlands Leader Programme is looking for small businesses or projects in the county to which it can allocate a million pounds of funding.

The programme is a community-led approach to rural development that builds on local knowledge and skills, innovation, and synergy with other partners.

Helicopter cadets flew in to help Northumberland Wildlife Trust with an environmental project.

A group of 16 helicopter cadets from RAF Cranwell touched down at Holburn Moss to help with the removal of birch trees and ditch damming.

Following a half mile walk onto the peat bog and a talk about the ecology and history of the site, the cadets began removing the tress and building dams, using recycled materials, to raise the water levels and restore the peat and its natural condition.