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The bubbly 19-year-old, of Choppington, in Northumberland, died a year ago today after her body rejected a second donor heart.

Leanne became one of only five youngsters in more than 20 years to have two heart swaps at the Freeman Hospital, in Newcastle, first in 2002 and again in 2008.

Up to 1,000 posts in the county council's 7,000-strong workforce are potentially at risk - on top of around 1,300 which have been shed over the last two years.

A two-week trawl for further voluntary redundancy applications was launched yesterday, after employees were briefed by their department heads about the latest budget cuts facing the unitary authority.

Now open to organisations including voluntary and community organisations, schools, town and parish councils, and statutory health authorities. Grants of between £300 and £10,000 are available.

There is up to £2 million available across the UK and organisations can submit applications before the three deadlines of 21July, 22 September and the 24 November 2010.

For further details and to get an application form visit our website www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/communitywildlife, or call our helpline on:
0845 367 0610.
For more ideas for projects visit www.bbc.co.uk/wild

Tears were shed at the Wansbeck Country Club's last ever fundraising evening at Bedlington Community Centre, as they prepared to move out to a new home because of continuing uncertainty over the building's future.

The club is relocating to nearby Bomarsund Colliery Welfare where it will continue with its long-running monthly musical evenings held to raise cash for medical and other charities.

An appeal has gone out for more parents and carers to join the organisation and come up with ideas and suggestions to move its work forward.

The Northumberland Parent, Carer and Professional Forum aims to help families across the county which have youngsters with special needs.

The community-minded pupils from Bedlington High School have been transforming redundant flower beds in Bedlington Station with 500 new plants.

They have done it thanks to support from local charity Stakeford Nurseries.

Deputy head at the high school Ron Hinshaw said: "This is an exciting new partnership which provides a diverse and rich learning experience for our students."

Neil Hedley from Stakeford Nurseries added: "It's great to be able to support local projects and when young people get stuck in the whole community benefits."

Anger erupted earlier this year when county council budget cuts threatened to bring the axe down on concessionary taxi travel for people physically unable to use other forms of public transport.

The council said it was planning to scrap four taxi schemes - which operated in Blyth Valley, Tynedale, Castle Morpeth and Wansbeck - to save £70,000 a year. Now it has had a change of heart and plans to launch a new, county-wide scheme on July 1 which involves people paying £10 for £50 worth of taxi tokens.

Those who successfully complete a training programme are guaranteed an interview with a local taxi firm and vacancies are currently available in the Blyth, Cramlington, Morpeth and Ashington areas.

First piloted in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, in 2006, the scheme was later rolled out in Teesside, Sunderland and Durham, and has seen more than 70 people find employment.

More than 30 pupils aged five to eight from Ringway First School in Guidepost will be vying to win a trip to the Blue Reef Aquarium in Tynemouth to see seals having their teeth brushed. All they need to do is take their brush to school and try to brush for the recommended two minutes without using a stopwatch.

The day is organised by Guidepost Dental Practice to encourage better brushing.

Thieves broke into the garage at the property in Osier Court, Stakeford, Bedlington, some time between 3pm on Friday, June 4 and 8.30am on Sunday, June 6.

They stole the two Harley Davidsons and a helmet.

Senior officers at County Hall in Morpeth have come up with the figure after making fresh budget calculations based on comments made by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat administration at Westminster.

The estimated additional efficiency savings for 2010/11 would come on top of budget reductions of £21m agreed in February, and are likely to be followed by another £20m worth of savings in 2011/12.

County council officials are carrying out a survey to build up a picture of the provision of childcare in different areas.

The results will be used to help shape the future of the service and meet the needs of working parents and carers. Childcare providers are also being asked to take part in the survey.

The Great Northumberland Picnic has been drawn up after enthusiasts across the county voted for their favourite open air eating spots, together with their choice of the best local food and drink to enjoy in the great outdoors.

Five chosen locations feature the county's renowned coastline, castles and countryside, while the fare includes Northumberland favourites such as stottie cakes, ham and pease pudding, Lindisfarne oysters, Seahouses salmon and Craster kipper pate.

The most popular choices from the public vote, which was launched earlier this year, were revealed at the official unveiling of the Great Northumberland Picnic on Wooler Common yesterday.

WATBus community transport charity took on a cycling development officer for their new WATBike department.

Colin Hall will help develop cycling in the county.