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 Amble and Warkworth 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."

People in Northumberland are being urged to have their say on executive decision-making arrangements for the county's new super-council which takes over in April.

Consultations on the issue close on Friday so residents are being reminded to comment before it is too late.

Only two games in the Morpeth Sunday League survived the snow on Sunday.

In Division Two, Castington managed a 4-3 win over Wansbeck Riverside SC. Matthew Williamson (2) and Chris Martin got on the scoresheet for the Riverside, whilst Gary Grayson (2), Chris Black and Michael Hubbin won it for Castington.

In Division Three, Bedlington Station Railway picked up their ninth win to maintain their 100% record, and their 9-0 win over Amble Dock Hotel saw them pass the 50-goal mark in the league so far.

Liam Candlish led the way with five goals, Mark Gadsby grabbed a brace and Robbie Black and Sean Trotter also got on the scoresheet.

In the Longhorn Hardware League Cup, Amble United booked a third-round slot with a 6-0 win over Tynemouth United.

Darren Riddell claimed four of their goals with the other two supplied by Ross Gair and Calvin Flanigan.

A Northumberland teenager is collecting old rugby boots to help children in developing countries.

Will Jackson, 16, from Felton, is taking part in the International Rugby Board's rugby kit collection project.

The initiative aims to provide less advantaged youngsters around the world with a chance to play and develop rugby through the collection and distribution of unused and unwanted kit from the UK and Ireland.

Two men caught badger baiting near Warkworth and with footage of attacks on animals were yesterday banned from keeping dogs for three years.

Christopher Hindmarsh, 28, of Alwinton Square, and Justin Lang, 24, of Norham Road, both Ashington, Northumberland, were also ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work, when they appeared at Alnwick Magistrates' Court.

Police emailed the personal details of suspected criminals to 150 farmers. Members of the Northumberland Farm Watch scheme were stunned when they opened the message to discover the names, dates of birth and addresses of dozens of alleged offenders.

Red-faced officers sent a follow-up message two days later when the error was spotted, asking the farmers not to read the information and to delete it immediately.

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.