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.

Second-placed Amble United secured a crucial 3-0 victory at home to table-topping South Shields United in the Northern Alliance.

Ross Gair gave Amble an interval lead, which was doubled by the same player after the break.

Returning ex-player-manager Steve Gibbard scored United's third goal - and with two games in hand they have a great chance to take over in pole position in the New Year.

National Trust boss David Ronn has pushed the boat out as the deadline nears in the bid to raise enough cash to buy Seaton Delaval Hall.

Donations and pledges from the public have reached £1.75m towards the target of £2m, with the trust hopeful that a series of major grant bids will enable the goal to be met of raising the total £6.3m purchase price for the Northumberland hall.

David, pictured, who lives near Morpeth and is regional director of the trust, decided to do his bit. A keen sailor, he and businessman friend Stephen Sharp set sail in a 16ft catamaran dinghy from Amble at dawn for a sponsored voyage along the North East coast.

A charity has launched a challenge to help people in Alnwick and Amble lose weight and get fit. Grace House North East Children's Hospice Appeal is behind the £s for lbs challenge.

Money raised through sponsorship will be used to build a hospice for children and their families in the North East.

To register, contact No Limits, in Alnwick, on (01665) 604606 or the Granary leisure complex in Amble on (01665) 710727.

Talks have been held in a bid to find a solution to a feathered pest problem in Alnwick and Amble.

The two towns have historically suffered from plagues of pigeons, with townspeople complaining about the mess the birds make.

A meeting was held in Alnwick earlier this month to find the most effective, humane and long-term solution.

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.

Plans for a £12m sports club makeover have been revealed.

Owners of Burgham Park Golf and Leisure Club, near Felton, are hoping to create a luxury hotel and golf academy.

A planning application has been submitted to Castle Morpeth Council to create a four-star hotel with about 85 rooms.

Tynemouth MP and Home Office Minister Alan Campbell yesterday praised Northumbria Police's use of new powers to tackle drink crime.

The force and councils have made designated public place orders in Alnwick, Amble and Cramlington and hope also to include Morpeth.

The orders mean police and accredited council officials can confiscate alcohol in public places and order people in those areas to stop drinking.

A supermarket opened its new store in Amble with a £1,000 donation to charity.

Both Amble Development Trust and the local lifeboat station benefited from the opening of the new Tesco store, in the town. Each of the charities received a £500 cheque after an opening ceremony.

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 Alnwick meeting will be held in Rennington Village Hall at 10.30am on the 15th.