A row has blown up after a council used money intended to help jobs blackspots to fund a horse show.
Blyth Valley Labour MP Ronnie Campbell (pictured) branded the summer event 'a weekend out for toffs'.
He strongly criticised Northumberland County Council - which is in the midst of making budget cuts totalling £40m over two years - for earmarking £80,000 to stage the high-profile equestrian event.
Parents in the Rothbury area of Northumberland who are interested in childcare services have been invited to take part in a feasibility study.
Dr Thomlinson Middle School, Rothbury First School and Thropton First School hope to meet the growing local demand for childcare before and after school, as well as during the holidays.
It is hoped arrangements will be in place by this year's school summer holidays. To take part in the study visit www.northumberland.gov.uk/78 or call Heather Cape on 01669 620287.
Wildlife Minister Huw Irranca Davies has accepted a petition signed by more than 200,000 people demanding an end to the killing of birds of prey.
The petition is the largest ever collected by the RSPB.
According to the RSPB's most recent annual Birdcrime report, published last August, Northumberland is the third worst county in England for illegal persecution against birds of prey.
A popular guide aimed at helping older people in Northumberland get the most out of life has been published for the fourth time.
Previous issues of the Golden Guide have gone down so well with the over-50s that there was a waiting list for the latest 5,000-copy print run.
The free booklet, which is produced by community information specialists Clever Clogs Publishing in partnership with Age Concern Northumberland, the county council and care trust, has also been given a new design.
Shilbottle angler Brian Douglas celebrated the opening day of the salmon fishing season on the River Coquet by landing the first fresh salmon of the season - for the seventh time.
Fishing a black and white Devon - affectionately called the "Toon Army" - Brian landed a cock fish at 8.30am on Monday to lift the Coquet Trophy and three years' free permits.
Traditionally the fish would have been presented to the Duke of Northumberland but the Northumbrian Anglers' Federation now operates a catch and release policy until June 16.
Tony Henderson on the 200th anniversary of another of the North East's greatest sons.
Bicentennials are like buses: you wait an age for one and then two come along at once.
The Journal reported recently on the programme of events lined up to mark the 200th anniversary this year of the death of Admiral Lord Collingwood.
Now preparations are in full swing to celebrate a second 200th - the anniversary of the birth of another of the North East's greatest sons in Lord Armstrong.
This week's poll question is asking your view on the ongoing cull of grey squirrels in Northumberland.
A new set of culling projects were launched recently in the county, aiming to prevent competition and the spread of the deadly squirrel pox virus, a major cause of the reds' decline.
A recent study concluded that the number of grey sightings has risen despite widespread culling, though critics say the study was unable to give a true picture of grey populations. A second objection is that the practise is an unnecessarily cruel one.
The National Trust will be opening its Cragside property for free during February half term to kick-start a year of celebrations to mark 200 years of its creator Lord Armstrong.
There will be a number of activities taking place at the Rothbury property over half term, including family trails and walks.
Berwick MP Sir Alan Beith has won an appeal against submitting any misleading claims over his rent in the expenses scandal.
The Liberal Democrat MP was revealed to have claimed expenses for cleaning his home, laundry, a new television and kitchen equipment when the furore over expenses broke.
He was also listed as claiming around £1,200 a month in rent on average.
Northumberland Tourism is asking for your suggestions on what makes the perfect picnic.
The Great Northumberland Picnics project, to be launched in April through their Made in Northumberland scheme, is designed to act as the ultimate local resource on where to have a picnic and what to eat and drink when you get there.
The project is busy compiling suggestions with the help of people in the North East as to what makes their perfect picnic.
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Journal Extra, Northumberland's free weekly, is inside copies of The Journal across the county every Thursday, and can also be picked up from these locations around Rothbury »
"Hugh Jones It could be £10 each but a couple of invites with free beer will be enough! I just ne..."
"Hugh Jones It could be £10 each but a couple of invites with free beer will be enough! I just ne..."
"Milton: I don't regards myself as a zealot but I do think that those who are hell-bent of killing m..."
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