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A teenager with a crooked spine that resembles an ‘S’ is heading to Germany for life-changing surgery in the next few hours - and it’s all thanks to you. Lucy Huddleston suffers from adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which is an abnormal twisting and curvature of the spine. With the help of people from across the North East and beyond, more than £53,000 has been raised to send Lucy abroad. The 16-year-old is travelling overseas on Friday for surgery which her family pray will correct the spine’s curves, without the need for fusion treatment. Mum Lisa, 45, said: “We’ve been blown away by the fundraising and we’re so grateful. “I fill up every time I look at the fundraising page at how nice people are, and a lot of them are complete strangers. The support has been amazing.”

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Northumberland County Council's Community Chest grant scheme is now open for applications for 2017/2018. One off grants of up to £60,000 for county wide projects, £5,000 for local area projects and a new £200 young persons grant for achieving a particular ambition are available. Applications will be decided by a Grant Panel established by each of the five new Local Area Councils and the first deadline for applications is Friday 29th September. The aim of the Community Chest Scheme is to support community groups and organisations to deliver activities which contribute to achieving the Council’s ambition for Northumberland. In addition, a new small grant scheme, Help For You, has been included specifically to help young people under 18 to achieve an ambition (see below).The fund will support one-off initiatives that are: seen as valuable to the area are not able to secure mainstream funding from the council or other sources They do this by giving one-off grants of up to £5,000, but not exceeding 75% of the actual costs, i.e. you will need to find at least 25% from your own or other sources.You are advised to read the guidelines carefully before applying. To help the council decide between different applications, there are higher and lower priorities for the scheme. Higher priority will be given to: Projects submitted by small community groups, defined as having an income of less than £10,000 per year and no paid staff Initiatives that will help community groups to become sustainable in the longer term Groups who have not received a grant from the community chest in the past Lower priority will be given to groups who have received a community chest grant in the past two years and those that apply for projects similar to previous years. If your group or organisation does not meet the priorities, then an application can still be made but is less likely to be successful. If your project seeks to benefit the County as a whole, then it may be considered as a Countywide project, for which £60,000 per annum is set aside. Such projects are considered by a separate panel of Area Chairs that meets more regularly. Although the maximum grant remains 75% of the actual costs, the upper cap of £5,000 does not apply. Help For You Grants of up to £200 are available for young people aged under 18 to support them in pursuing a particular ambition. A maximum of £2,000 has been ring-fenced for each local area council. For further information visit the Northumberland County Council website or contact: Community Regeneration Team Ecomony and Inclusion Policy Team Planning and Economy Directorate Northumberland County Council County Hall Morpeth NE61 2EF

Crowds flocked to Bedlington on Saturday to enjoy the second Northumberland Live of the year. The family-friendly festival took place in the town’s Gallagher Park, with headline act The Commitments performing soul classics such as Mustang Sally, Destination Anywhere and In the Midnight Hour. Other musical entertainment on the bill included the West End 80’s Mania Show, UB40 tribute band Ultimate 40, Pacific, The Sleeze Sisters, The Understudies, Just So and Unplugged.

Northumbrian Water will be carrying out routine water mains cleaning until August 11th between the hours of 8am and 6pm in the area shown below. Residents are advised that water discolouration may occur during this time but remains safe. It is not necessary to contact Northumbrian water if discoloured water is noticed and running the first mains fed tap in your home (typically the cold water tap in the kitchen) for up to 30 minutes is advised. It is not recommended that washing machines and dish washers be used until water is running clear. If you have a metered supply and you receive discoloured water during the course of this work, please call Northumbrian water on 0845 717 1100 as you can claim an allowance on your bill. More info at https://www.nwl.co.uk/your-home/your-account/in-your-area/mains-cleaning.aspx

Local legend Russ Tippins returns to Platform 1, this time accompanied only by his acoustic guitar, and whatever backing vocals you can supply! Performing hit sing-aong songs from bands such as ELO, Led Zepellin, Bowie and more, it'll be a great night for acoustic and band fans alike! Free Entry - On Stage for 9pm - Under 18's (12+) welcome accompanied by an adult.

Another debut performance for local 5 piece, female fronted Elenbak. A no-nonsense full on rock band, performing songs by artists including U2, Guns N Roses, and Foo Fighters to name a few. No miming, no backing tracks, just rock rock, and more rock! Free entry - Bar open from 7pm - Under 18's welcome when accompanied by adults (12+)

Platform 1 and East Bedington Community Centre bring you yet another night packed full of local talent in the form of 3 very different artists: PEESH - Frontman of local 'Psycho Radio' band LoGoZ takes to the stage to perform some of his original material. Peesh has previously played in the Buffet Car and went down a storm, so we can't wait to welcome him to the big stage - we know you'll enjoy it just as much as we will! RAY ROWLEY - North Tyneside songwriter Ray will entertain everyone, with songs such as 'Workie Ticket' and 'We're Geordies' - he'll have you singing along and getting involved. Not just a musician, Ray puts on a one man show which will put a smile on everyone's face. MUDDY LINE - Fiishing off the night we have a fantastic local band, bringing you a mixture of covers and originals, featuring more instruments than you can shake a stick at. Vocal harmonies, tambourines, electro-acoustic guitars, and even a mandolin - definitley an audio delight by anyone's standards! All of this packed in to one night, all for FREE! Bar will be open from 7pm, and live music will start around 8:30pm. Under 18's welcome when accompanied by adults (12+).

Northumberland County Council has secured £5m in national funding for major road improvements. The authority successfully bid for its share of £75 million from the government’s national Highway Maintenance Challenge Fund. Local authorities were challenged to put forward schemes which could make a real difference to road users. Glen Sanderson, the County Council’s Cabinet member for Environment and Local Services: “This is absolutely fantastic news for the council,the people of Northumberland and all those who use our road network. “We’re delighted to have secured this level of funding which, combined with a further £1.5m input from ourselves, will see improvements to 24km of highway along three key routes in the more rural parts of the county. “These are crucial routes for the timber industry, quarrying and tourism and of course the residents who use these roads each day. The money, which will be spent this financial year, will fund a range of improvements, from strengthening the roads through to drainage work and resurfacing. “The bid had widespread support from a range of partners as well as local MPs and is a further demonstration of this administration’s commitment to making long term improvements and investment on our county’s roads. “We’re also pleased to be the only local authority in the region to have secured successive back to back awards from the national Highway Maintenance Challenge Fund. “It is also testament to all the hard work put in by our highways team to have submitted such a persuasive and comprehensive bid and I’m extremely proud of them.”

Northumberland County Council has been praised for its role as a landlord at a regional awards ceremony. At the Energy Efficiency and Healthy Homes Awards last week, the council picked up highly commended in the Landlord of the Year category and commended in the Small Project of the Year (Under £250k) award. The awards were in relation to a pilot project in Cramlington which has transformed a “Dorran” style property into a more energy efficient property. Dorran properties were a popular post-war style of construction, using concrete panels, and often have issues with insulation. The pilot scheme, at a property in Allerhope, saw the council team up with external wall specialists, Alumasc Facades and Westdale services. A steel structure was added to the concrete panels to strengthen the external wall and ensure it could withstand the weight of new insulation and render. It was then finished with a unique “brick” effect render to modernise the property. All the windows in the property have also been replaced. The scheme will now be rolled out across the estate with a further 82 properties set to receive the same work over the next two years. Coun John Riddle, Cabinet member for Planning, Housing and Resilience at the council, said: “This is fantastic recognition for an innovative pilot scheme, intended to not only improve the energy efficiency of the property, but also the appearance. “Our tenant is extremely happy with the work and has already noticed the benefits with the property feeling warmer and better insulated. “We will now be rolling the project out over the next two years, to include all other council-owned homes on the estate. We hope this will have a really positive impact on the quality of life for the tenants but also the community as a whole.” Ward councillor for the area, Mark Swinburn, said: “It’s great to see the success of this pilot scheme. I am really pleased to see that the scheme will be progressing across the estate for the benefit of all residents.” Tyrone Lawton, Area Technical Manager for Alumasc Facades, said: “The council has done a fantastic job in transforming a dated dorran property to a modern looking, energy efficient home. “The council has gone that extra mile by putting their tenants first: helping with energy efficiency, saving on utility bills but also dramatically improving the appearance of the property.”

Three students who all fell pregnant and gave birth while in the middle of the same degree at the University of Sunderland have graduated with honours together at the Stadium of Light.

Thousands of music lovers rocked out as The Commitments brought a touch of soul to the Northumberland Live festival. The “World’s Hardest Working Band” headlined the day-long event on Saturday, which drew in the crowds to Bedlington’s Gallagher Park. The eight-piece band - headed up by frontman Dave Finnegan who played bouncer and drummer Mickah Wallace in The Commitments film - played all the classics, including Mustang Sally and In the Midnight Hour. They were joined on the bill by The Sleeze Sisters, The Understudies, Just So and Unplugged. Festival-goers also enjoyed a range of food as well as a display by the Royal Logistics Corps’ parachute display team The Silver Stars. Northumberland Live organiser, Mel Jackson, said: “The day has been fantastic - it has been jumping.

Resting in her bed, Holly Oakley often wonders what life lies ahead for her. The 16-year-old claims she has been left a “prisoner in her own home” after taking the controversial HPV vaccine. Holly says she has been left virtually housebound by the human papilloma virus injections, which help prevent cervical cancer. Once part of Newcastle United’s academy, the teenager now suffers from severe fatigue and is often too exhausted to get out of bed. Mum Vicky, 46, is certain her daughter’s health problems are linked to the Gardasil vaccine, which is routinely offered to 12 and 13-year-old girls to protect them against cancer. She said: “Holly was energetic and full of life. After the vaccines her life would never be the same again. There needs to be more information about the risks.

A number of parks in South Northumberland have officially been named among the best in Britain.

A pensioner is in a critical condition after she was hit by a van while crossing a road in Bedlington on Friday morning. The 78-year-old woman was crossing Hartford Road in the Northumberland town just before 10am when she was hit by a Ford transit tipper van, which was also towing a trailer. The woman suffered serious head and leg injuries and she has been taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where her condition is described as being “critical, but stable”. The air ambulance was called to the scene, but paramedics opted to drive the elderly woman to hospital instead. Police closed the road for two hours while the woman received medical treatment and was driven to hospital, but it has since re-opened. Officers investigating the crash are now appealing for witnesses and a Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: “A Ford transit tipper van towing a trailer was travelling south on Hartford Road when it collided with a 78-year-old woman who was crossing the road.

Police are appealing for witnesses following a collision Hartford Road, Bedlington in Northumberland at 10.07am, on Friday, July 28, when an elderly woman pedestrian was injured. A Ford transit tipper van towing a trailer was travelling south on Hartford Road when it collided with a 78-year-old woman who was crossing the road. The woman suffered serious injuries and was taken to the RVI for treatment. Her condition is described being critical but stable with suspected serious head and leg injuries. The road was closed for two hours to allow for the casualty to be dealt with and the scene to be investigated. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 270 of 28/07/17

A trusted care home manager pocketed nearly £7,000 from a vulnerable resident by secretly using her bank card. Greedy Shirley Ward was in charge of withdrawing cash for the victim’s day-to-day living expenses while she was staying at Melrose House Care Home, in Cullercoats, North Tyneside. But, the 58-year-old soon started helping herself to the money, taking almost £7,000 over a 12-month period and hiding bank statements so her deceit wasn’t detected, a court heard. The fraud was only uncovered when the bank account of the victim, who suffered from emphysema and asthma and needed a constant oxygen supply, was completely drained of funds and struggled to pay for her place in the home. And it was only after Ward was dismissed for an unrelated matter that her scam came to light and the police found the hidden bank statements and three of the victim’s bank cards, Newcastle Crown Court was told. Now, Ward, of Hartford Crescent, Bedlington, has avoided being immediately sent to prison after she pleaded guilty to fraud by abuse of position and was given a suspended sentence.

Join Hello Dolly and Hel's Angels for an Afternoon Tea and Angel Tarot Card Reading. Get together with friends or indulge in some time just for you and enjoy an afternoon of relaxing with like minded people enjoying a delicious afternoon tea and Angel Tarot Card reading. Cost is just £20 per person. To find out more please call into Hello Dolly or message the page. If you have any food intolerances or allergies please speak to Hello Dolly, they will be delighted to accomadate you. Please note that places are limited and to secue your place you will need to pay in advance of the event. Thank you.

Tina Turner Rocks bring you a jam packed evening full of hits by the First Lady of Rock 'n' Roll, together with a second set of smash melodic rock hits that are guaranteed to get you up on the dance floor. Made up of world-class musicians, this is an act you really do not want to miss. Bar open from 7pm, band onstange approximately 9pm. Under 18's welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Join us once agan for Buskers and open mic night at Platform 1!! If you sing, play an instrument, or even just like to listen - we want YOU to come and support this brand new night in Bedlington Station. This month's event will be Sunday 6th August, with music kicking off at about 6pm. Pints for players - get up and give us a song, and we'll give you a drink in return! Under 18's are welcome but MUST be accompanied by an adult. We had a great turnout to our first event - help us grow and spread the word - great live music in a great new venue!

Reiki Share Bedlington is moving! Due to the continuing success and expansion of the group and several enquiries recently for disabled or limited mobility access I have decided to hire East Bedlington Community Centre, 16 & 17 Station Rd, Bedlington NE22 7JW for the next share on 27th August. It is a large, light and airy room with a beautiful feel. There is also a small room we can use if anyone wishes to have a more private treatment as well as a mezzanine area for watching/ chatting!. There is loads of parking and I am still able to offer tea/ coffee. The time is slightly different as the room is already booked in the morning so the new time is 1pm-4.30pm (drop in). The session will be £5 per person or £4 concessions, please note it will no longer be donations based, however once the expenses have been covered I will be donating the remaining of the funds to Water Aid. Many thanks Lindsey x

With less than 50 days to go until the Tour of Britain races through Northumberland, businesses, community groups and local residents are being called upon to help decorate the route and help turn the county red and yellow - the colours of the Northumberland flag. The people of Northumberland are being asked to take part in the colourful project painting and displaying their old or unwanted bicycles to celebrate the Northumberland stage of the race which takes place on Monday September 4. Businesses can also get involved by dressing their streets and shop windows with red and yellow bunting, flags, flowers or cycling displays. The Northumberland stage of the race is due to start in Kielder Water & Forest Park and finish in Blyth, passing through 28 communities along its 211 km route. In 2015 The Tour of Britain swept through the county creating a wave of excitement as some of the world’s top cyclists, including Sir Bradley Wiggins cycled through our communities. Residents and businesses dressed the route in the distinctive red and yellow colours of the Northumberland flag and thousands of spectators lined the route to cheer on the cyclists and give them a fantastic welcome. It is hoped that this year local communities will be just as involved. Northumberland County Councillor, Cath Homer, cabinet member with responsibility for culture, arts and leisure said: “ The Tour of Britain is the UK’s largest professional cycle race and is broadcast all around the world so it is a great chance to showcase the county as a fabulous place to visit and cycle in. “We want to add a real splash of the Northumberland red and yellow colours to the race route and would really like local residents to help us by getting creative and getting involved. We’ve spoken to the parish councils along the route and would really like local people to support them in decorating their communities.” The eight-stage race runs from 3- 10 September with the Northumberland stage taking place on Monday 4 September – full Northumberland route details can be found at www.nlandtob.com

Summer means festivals and, while that can also mean muddy mayhem, it mainly means marvellous music - and lots of it. It's certainly not all about Glastonbury or other biggies such as Reading or Leeds. Newcastle and the wider North East has plenty of its own to be proud of and there’s no need to spend hundreds of pounds on a ticket - not to mention travelling costs - when there are music festivals galore on your doorstep. As festival season gets underway, here is a round-up of where and when you can enjoy live music this summer, whether you like to dip your toes somewhere new, such as Q Festival, or whether you're a regular at South Tyneside Festival. Our guide - and we'll be adding to it - covers the region. In Northumberland, we've already enjoyed Northumberland Live at Blyth Beach as well as Corbridge Festival and have just danced along to SummerTyne Americana Festival on Gateshead Quayside - but there are lots more festivals to come, ranging from Live From Times Square in Newcastle, which is up next, to Harwick Live in County Durham. So get planning to get out there in the fresh air - even if it turns out a bit too fresh on occasion - and prepare to soak up enough festival experience to generate musical memories for years to come.

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