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Heartbroken friends have paid tribute to a teenager who was tragically killed in a car crash while out celebrating her birthday.
Bethany Fisher was fatally injured when the Ford Mondeo she was in hit several parked vehicles on Victoria Terrace, Bedlington, on August 19.
Childhood friend Sophia Chisholm described the 19-year-old as having a bubbly personality who always kept a smile on everyone’s faces.
Sophia, 16, said: “We were like a married couple at work. We would bicker about little stupid things and wind each other up but we were the closest. She was like my best friend.
“She text me and my friend Cheryl the day before she died telling us how much she loved us and she said we made her feel like we were all a little family.
“Unfortunately a member of our little family has been taken away from us but she has left a big mark on my life.”
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A devastated teenager who survived the crash which killed her best friend on a birthday night out has spoken of her heartbreak.
Bethany Fisher was fatally injured when the Ford Mondeo she was in hit several parked vehicles on Victoria Terrace, Bedlington, on August 19.
Despite the efforts of neighbours and paramedics, the 19-year-old died of her injuries before she could reach hospital.
Meg McBurnie, 19, was also in the vehicle and has been left with serious injuries after the collision.
Paying tribute to her best friend, Meg said: “Everyone loved her and her funeral was the hardest day of my life.
“From the moment I wake up to the moment I go to sleep, I’m always thinking about her. It still doesn’t feel real.
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This is the killer danger driver who left one teenage girl dead and another seriously injured.
Jordan O’Donnell was behind the wheel of a Ford Mondeo when he lost control last month.
Passenger Bethany Fisher died from her injuries while Meg McBurnie, who was also in the car, was badly her.
After the crash in Bedlington, Northumberland, O’Donnell rang police and pretended his car had been stolen.
As we revealed previously, he has been warned he faces a significant spell behind bars after admitting offences including causing death by dangerous driving.
Now police have released his mugshot ahead of his sentencing hearing next month.
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Northumberland residents are being asked to vote for their favourite Green Flag park - putting it in the running to be the nation’s favourite in the People’s Choice Awards.

In July we found out that nine Northumberland parks had gained Green Flag Awards this year - marking them out as some of the UK’s very best parks and green spaces.

Now members of the public can vote for the Northumberland Green Flag park that they think should be the whole nation’s favourite.  

Green Flag parks in Northumberland are:  Ridley Park in Blyth; Doctor Pit Park in Bedlington;  Alexandra Park in Cramlington, Hexham Parks; Carlisle Park in Morpeth; Castle Vale and Coronation Parks in Berwick; Plessey Woods Country Park near Bedlington; and Bolam Lake Country Park near Belsay.

Councillor Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for environment and local services at Northumberland County Council said:  “We have some exceedingly beautiful and very special parks in Northumberland - all with their own unique set of attractions.

“In each you will find a range of opportunities to suit all ages and interests - from sports and play facilities - to areas where those who seek it can enjoy peace and tranquility.

“I urge everyone to get behind their favourite park in Northumberland - giving it a chance to become one of the nation’s favourites.”

To vote for your favourite Green Flag park go to  www.greenflagaward.org  Simply find your park on the map and click the vote button. Once you’ve voted, why not encourage others to get involved too.

Paul Todd, International Green Flag Award manager said: “Following the huge success of #LoveParks Week, the People’s Choice Award is another chance to show how much your favourite park means to you. Make your voice heard and vote now.”

Voting is open now and closes on 30 September, with the top 10 winning sites due to be announced on 11 October.

Last year saw tens of thousands of people voting for their favourite park, with winners coming from all across the UK, from London to Lanarkshire.  
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The deadline is looming for  community groups,  charities and young people  in the county to apply for funding from a much valued community grant scheme.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available from Northumberland County Council to help deliver activities that benefit residents and communities - but applicants need to hurry as the deadline for the first round of applications is Friday 29 September.

The council’s long running Community Chest Fund was improved and relaunched earlier this summer following consultation with local communities.

One of the key improvements to fund is a new grant called ‘Help For You’  which is aimed specifically at the under 18s.  Grants of  up to £200 are  available to help individuals in pursuing a particular ambition - whether it is sporting, musical or academic.

Other changes to the scheme include: Community chest budgets will be managed and allocated by local area councils; The budget for each area council is based on the population living in that area; Local area councils are able to identify funding themes relevant to their communities;   For local schemes there will be a £5,000  upper grant limit with a maximum award of 75% of the cost of any proposal; The countywide element of the fund has doubled to £60,000, with no upper limit but the maximum grant award of 75% of the project’s costs, and There will be two funding rounds each year.

Leader of Northumberland County Council Peter Jackson said: “We’ve listened to the views of local communities and feel we have made a number of very helpful changes to the grant scheme to widen its appeal, including opening it up so  that young people are eligible to apply.

“We would  like to see this fund providing support  to the many valued local groups and voluntary organisations that are making a real difference in every corner of the county.  If you have a project that you think could benefit please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”

The community chest fund has been in operation in Northumberland since 2009 and over its lifetime 1,450 awards totalling £2.6million have been made to voluntary and community groups to develop projects that enhance the environment, improve health and wellbeing and strengthen communities.

If you are not in a position to apply for funding this month, you can still apply at a future date. The second deadline for funding applications is 12 January 2018.

To apply, applicants must fill out an application form. This can be done online or by downloading the form from  www.northumberland.gov.uk. If you have any queries, please  email iain.hedley@northumberland.gov.uk

Find out all about the fund here.  
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Killer driver Jordan O’Donnell has admitted causing the death of a teenager and seriously injuring another girl in a horror crash.
The 20-year-old was behind the wheel of a Ford Mondeo with no insurance when he lost control in Bedlington, Northumberland, last month.
Passenger Bethany Fisher tragically suffered fatal injuries while Meg McBurnie, also in the car, was left seriously hurt.
After the collision, O’Donnell rang police and lied that his car had been stolen.
Now he has been warned he is likely to receive a lengthy prison after he admitted offences including causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and doing acts intending to pervert the course of justice
Judge Tim Gittins, at Newcastle Crown Court, told O’Donnell, who appeared on a video-link to HMP Durham: “You having pleaded guilty to the offences you face, obviously the likelihood is a significant custodial sentence.
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A thug who stamped on an innocent stranger’s face during a horrific and unprovoked attack in a Northumberland pub has been jailed for five years.
Vile Jack Stevenson floored David Wailes with a punch and began stamping on his head, leaving him with a broken eye socket.
The vicious attack took place two days before Christmas, while the victim was celebrating a Christmas night out at the Grapes Pub in Bedlington.
Stevenson, 25, who had previous convictions for battery, criminal damage and dangerous driving, has been locked up for five years.
His “mindless” attack has been condemned by police, who say there was no altercation or argument that provoked Stevenson to attack.
After brutally assaulting Mr Wailes, Stevenson punched an 18-year-old man and fled the scene.
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A man has been jailed after he repeatedly stamped on a stranger’s head as he was celebrating a Christmas night out in Bedlington. 

Jack Stevenson, 25, launched an unprovoked attack on David Wailes as he was in The Grapes Pub in the Northumberland town on 23 December last year. 

Stevenson, of Carlton House, Bedlington, was convicted on September 4 at Newcastle Crown Court for wounding, assault and breaching a suspended sentence and as a result, handed down a five year sentence. 

There was no altercation or argument that provoked Stevenson to attack the victim. He launched a single punch that sent Mr Wailes to the floor and then proceeded to stamp on his face. 

Stevenson then punched an 18 year old man before fleeing the scene. Less than two weeks later, officers caught up with him and swooped in to make an arrest. 

Detective Sergeant Jason Kell said: "The victim was left with a fractured eye socket but given the ferocity of the attack, his injuries could have been much more severe. Thuggish behaviour like this is simply not acceptable. We want people to feel safe to enjoy their night out, at whatever time of year, without worrying about people like Stevenson. 

"We're pleased with the sentence that's been handed down to the offender and hope that this serves as a warning to others about the consequences of launching a mindless attack like this."


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