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The 25th edition of the PDC World Championships rolls into town on Thursday, as darts fans are treated to 18 days of pure tungsten theatre.
Michael van Gerwen became a two-time World Champion last year as he beat Gary Anderson in an exhilarating final, and he arrives at the Alexandra Palace in London, gunning for a third world title.
Anderson, a two-time World Champion himself, and number two seed Peter Wright are likely to be riding on van Gerwen’s coat-tails as this year’ competition promises to be the most exciting yet.
Retiring darts legend Phil Taylor looking forward to Newcastle swansong in the Premier League
16-time World Champion Phil Taylor will call time on his illustrious career after this year’s tournament and he will be keen to sign off with a 17th triumph on the world stage.
However, we have a vested interest of our own in Taylor’s progress, as he takes on Bedlington star Chris Dobey in the first round.
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We asked readers to share a photograph of their Christmas tree - and what a fabulous display there is to see!
Over 800 readers showed off their Christmas pride and joy - and then voted for their favourite trees from those posted on the Newcastle Chronicle Facebook page. And here are are top 20.
Thanks to all who shared some Christmas joy - from huge, blazing beauties to treasured family heirlooms. As you can see, there is a huge range of trees, with fibre-optics or handmade decorations and unusual colour schemes. And there are lots of ideas for dressing your own tree if yours has yet to go up.
This article features the favourites from our Facebook page by 9am on Thursday - but we will feature more later this week in further galleries, so do look out for them!
1. Seb Howarth in Whitley Bay topped our poll with 262 reactions to his wonderful, traditional-style tree, glowing with hundreds of tiny lights and topped by a little Christmas fairy. He said: "This is our first Christmas in our new home." Congratulations on a marvellous tree!
2. Steph Craig's Newcastle tree was very popular too, with 206 reactions - a huge vote from those who love the stylish bright, white look at Christmastime. The big bows are a fashionable addition which those who haven't got their tree dressed yet might like to imitate.
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Northumberland County Council’s highways team has been shortlisted in the most improved performer category of the prestigious annual APSE performance networks awards   These high-profile awards mark both the best performing authorities and the most improved for their achievements with categories being dedicated to each service area.    APSE performance networks is the largest voluntary public sector benchmarking service across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Used by over 200 local authorities it leads the way in benchmarking local government services.   Finalists are selected based on those authorities who have participated in performance networks and who have demonstrated continuous improvement in the services they provide.    Northumberland’s highways team has been an active member of APSE for several years, and this year has been nominated for the 'Most Improved Council' in the highways category.    Cllr Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for the environment and local services at the council said:  “This is a really significant achievement for Northumberland at a national level.  It recognises the hard work and dedication of our highways team and highlights the significant improvements that we are making to Northumberland’s roads.”    APSE Chief Executive Paul O'Brien added: "We’re absolutely delighted with the calibre of finalists in this year’s APSE performance networks awards.  As budgets continue to be squeezed, using data intelligently has now become vital to ensuring excellence in frontline service delivery. In today’s digital age information is power, and these awards highlight how invaluable high quality performance information is to strengthening local government’s frontline services."   Winners will be announced at an awards event in Blackpool this week.
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Northumberland County Council is celebrating after the county picked up a prestigious award at the 2017 British Travel Awards.

Northumberland received a Silver award for Best UK Holiday County/Region at the awards held in London on Wed (No 29).

It’s the fourth year in a row the county has claimed the silver award, beating off stiff competition from tourist favourite the Lake District. Once again holiday hotspot Cornwall was crowned the category winner.

The winners of the awards are chosen by a public vote, from consumers who have registered their interest to vote.

Coun Cath Homer, cabinet member of culture, arts, leisure and tourism, said: “This is a huge accolade for Northumberland. The fact that it is decided on the back of a public vote shows the love people have for our stunning county.

“To be up against, and beat, tourism stalwarts such as the Lake District shows just how far Northumberland has come as a tourist destination. As more people discover this once “hidden gem” the benefits to businesses and attractions in the county will continue to grow.

“As the council, we want to congratulate everyone involved in making our county officially one of the best holiday destinations in the UK. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to encourage more people to choose Northumberland for their next short break or holiday.”  
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A charity calendar featuring  dogs rescued in Northumberland is now for sale with all the proceeds  going directly  to four local animal charities.

The calendar features twelve dogs that have been rescued by Northumberland County Council’s animal welfare team and partner charities. Each dog has their back story printed alongside their photograph.

The printing of the calendar has been funded by the fines collected for dog fouling offences in Northumberland. All the proceeds will go to four local animal charities: S.H.A.K, Alexa’s Animals, B.A.R.K and The Dog’s Trust.

One of the rescued  dogs is Poppy who was found straying by a council Animal Welfare Officer. She was in a terrible condition; covered in fleas, very underweight and nearly blind. Since then she has received loving care and been found a new home where she now lives a full & healthy life. Northumberland County Council successfully prosecuted her owner for neglect.

Another chosen dog Luna the lurcher was also found straying by a council Animal Welfare Officer. She was placed with the Charity S.H.A.K for much needed care and attention.  

Northumberland County Councillor  Glen Sanderson, cabinet member for environment and local services said: " The council produces this calendar each year and it’s a great way for us and members of the public to  support the local animal charities we work closely with and help them fund their fantastic work.”

Stephen Wylie of the dog rescue charity S.H.A.K said: “We’ve had another successful year working alongside the council’s animal welfare team. Together  we have helped dogs to be reunited with  their owners, receive medical attention when needed and if necessary find new homes. The team has gone above and beyond on many occasions to help us with our work, and ultimately give the dogs the best future possible. "

The calendars are available for a minimum donation of £3.99 from council information centres, through the Council website  or by contacting the animal welfare team on 0345 600 6400.
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What’s in a name?
Apparently Forest, Hawk, Hunter, Fox, Storm, Hallie, Aurora, Skye, River, Rowan and Raven were just some of the unusual monikers given to babies born in the UK this year.
The Chronicle revealed the findings of the website Babycentre earlier this week.
It’s not only modern parents who gave their offspring left-of-centre names, however.
A trawl through the census returns and birth, marriage and death records of the late 19th and early 20th centuries reveals some truly odd names (some of which are unprintable in a family publication).
The following are all genuine names of people who lived in the North East.
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If you fancy making an attractive and affordable Christmas wreath to adorn your front door this festive season, why not join one of the workshops at Hepscott Park Horticultural Skills Unit near Morpeth

The sessions  cost £12,  will  last approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and will run on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd December.  To book onto a workshop ring: 01670 623911.
 
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A pub raider who stole thousands of pounds when he targeted five bars and social clubs across Tyneside and Northumberland is facing jail.
Serial thief John Cook broke into the licensed premises between June and November and usually smashed up fruit machines to pocket the cash inside.
A court was told the bungling 39-year-old was snared on each occasion by either leaving an item of clothing or blood at the scene or setting off an intruder alarm.
On his final break-in, at the Lochside pub, in High Heaton, Newcastle, he made off when was confronted by the owners but later tracked down by a police dog.
Now, Cook, who said he was of no fixed abode but is formerly from Coach Road, in Wallsend, is facing a lengthy prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to four counts of burglary and was found guilty after a trial in his absence of a fifth count.
He also admitted a separate charge of theft during a hearing at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court.
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