Health care chiefs have given the go ahead for a £200m investment in services in Northumberland, including a new emergency care hospital on the outskirts of Cramlington.

Wansbeck and North Tyneside hospitals will see significant investment while community hospitals in Berwick and Haltwhistle will be rebuilt.

The package of measures was approved yesterday at a meeting of the NHS North of Tyne Trust.

Companies in Northumberland have been hitting television screens to show off the attractions of setting up shop in Wansbeck.

The advert in prime-time ITV features companies who have received advice and assistance from Go Wansbeck, the district's local enterprise growth initiative.

Karen Turner, owner of dog walking company Walkies, in the limelight on location in Newbiggin

It is designed to encourage even more people to take advantage of the support on offer and to showcase Wansbeck as a vibrant destination.

Two of Northumberland County Council's planning committees are set to be merged because of their light workloads and the need to make further efficiency savings.

A report is expected to go to the executive next month on amalgamating the south area committee, which deals with planning applications in Blyth Valley, and the east committee, which covers Wansbeck.

Unemployed people in Northumberland are being urged to find out more about a training programme which could see them involved in the 2012 Olympic Games.

An open day will be held at the Northumberland College in Ashington next week to give jobseekers more information about the Personal Best pre-employment scheme.

The event runs from 10am to 3pm on Wednesday, October 28 and is aimed at unemployed people 19 and over.

Tributes have been paid to a highly respected rowing enthusiast who devoted his life to one North East club and helped introduce countless talented youngsters to his beloved sport.

Popular Norman Howitt, the president of Cambois Rowing Club based on the River Wansbeck in Northumberland, died in hospital earlier this week, aged 71.

His death leaves a huge hole in the thriving club to which he gave six decades of voluntary service as a rower, coach, official and supporter.

Mr Howitt, a former coal miner who lived with his wife Ann in East Sleekburn near Bedlington, was awarded an International Olympic Committee certificate in 2002 in honour of his tireless work for the sport of rowing. He was also honoured by the Amateur Rowing Association.

A petrol station supervisor filled up with stolen company cash when her debts spiralled out of control. Barbara MacRides was in a position of trust at the Shell Garage in South Gosforth.

The 41-year-old, from Scotland Gate, Choppington, was authorised to check and bag the substantial takings.

But her own finances were a mess, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

Northumberland's council has been chosen as one of nine in the country to take part in a pilot scheme on local authority performance.

Northumberland County Council has been awarded £100,000 to help it take part in the project, which aims to help authorities tailor their services to meet customers' needs.

Over the coming months the council will be speaking to its staff, customers and partners to find out how it is performing, particularly in the areas of planning, neighbourhood services and children's services.

Wildlife lovers can take part in some spooky activities this Hallowe'en with Northumberland Wildlife Trust.

On Friday October 30, between 3pm and 5pm, there will be a host of ghostly activities taking place at Choppington Community Woods supported by Northumberland County Council and the Friends of Choppington Community Woods.

Bat box making, tree sprit making, Hallowe'en games and following a spooky trail through the woods will all be on offer around the reserve entrance near the Choppington Welfare Centre.

On Saturday October 31, between 3pm and 5pm the wildlife charity will be joining forces with the Friends of East Cramlington Local Nature Reserve for a second evening of bewitching fun.

A social enterprise which provides accessible transport for the local community is celebrating being awarded a business accolade.

West Sleekburn-based WATBus Community Transport were awarded the Wansbeck Social Enterprise Award for 2009 at the Wansbeck Business Awards.

Presented at a Gala dinner at North Seaton, which was hosted by Brendan Healey, the award was sponsored by Bernicia Housing Group, who said Watbus won ahead of strong competition from Northumberland STARS and the Northumberland Credit Union.

New Boundary Commission recommendations for Northumberland will be one of the items on the agenda for the next meeting of the county council's south east area committee, which covers Ashington, Bedlington, Blyth and Cramlington.

It will be held on Tuesday at 6pm in Whytrig Middle School, Western Avenue, Seaton Delaval. Local people are welcome to attend and will be able to ask questions.