Warkworth power on at the top of the Northumberland Premier League, their latest win coming against Corbridge. Martin Clark's five wickets pinned Corbridge down to 153, and then Chris Younger hit 46 as the leaders eased to a four-wicket win in the 42nd over.

Alnmouth stayed second, but they received a pasting from bottom club Blagdon Park and they are now 51 points adrift of the table toppers.

Mark Foster's 65-ball half-century set up Park's score of 216-9 and then Pirasannan Inpathurai (3-27) struck early blows from which Alnmouth could not recover.

The fourth annual Charter Standard Clubs Festival kicked-off at Corbridge United's Tynedale Park ground.

The event involved more than 350 junior players from 33 teams representing 18 Charter Standard clubs from across Northumberland.

Seaton Delaval Dynamos

Players took part in small-sided games, culminating in the presentation of fair play awards to a team from each of the seven pitches.

Thousands of people across Northumberland are about to be asked for their views on whether the county's controversial two-tier system of car parking charges should be abolished.

A major public consultation will be launched soon as part of a wide-ranging review which will help unitary council chiefs decide whether or not to scrap the tradition of free parking in the south east of the county.

Shopkeepers and businesses in rural communities such as Berwick, Seahouses, Alnwick, Morpeth and Hexham say it is unfair that motorists have to pay up to £1.10 an hour - while they can park free in towns such as Blyth, Cramlington, Ashington and Bedlington.

As the sun shined on Slaley Hall yesterday, Sam Torrance issued a "roll up and enjoy the fun" call to the golf lovers of the North East and Cumbria.

Europe's winning Ryder Cup captain of 2002 joins other big names Ian Woosnam and Sandy Lyle in The De Vere Collection PGA Seniors Championship.

"We're the people most golf fans grew up with," said Torrance. "We're the names that the middle aged folk, around 40 to 50, remember.

Community Wildlife is for projects that help people discover, enjoy and protect wildlife in their local area.

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

A dig started yesterday in a bid to uncover more of the story behind the palatial home of a Northumberland nobleman executed for leading a rebellion.

Dilston Castle and Chapel, overlooking the Devil's Water near Corbridge, was the seat of the Radcliffe family who held the title of Earl of Derwentwater. The 3rd Earl, James Radcliffe, was executed in 1716 for his part in leading the Jacobite rebellion in Northumberland.

Mandi Elwood and John Bowman

He had built a magnificent Queen Anne mansion at Dilston, but after his death squatters moved in and the great house was home to up to 18 families. It was demolished in 1768.

A forum which works to improve life for Northumberland children with special needs is looking to recruit new members.

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.

Football ace Sol Campbell will marry the granddaughter of North East property tycoon Sir Lawrie Barratt in Corbridge on July 17.

Interior designer Fiona Barratt and Sol are set to tie the knot at St Andrew's Church in the village, near to Sir Lawrie's family home.

The pair met five years ago and the former England captain asked for Fiona's hand in marriage last year.

Blagdon Park have an awful lot to do if they are to avoid relegation from the Northumberland League's Premier Division.

After being docked 40 points by the league they lost to Clara Vale by 30 runs on Saturday and are now 51 points adrift at the foot of the table.

Blyth are the other team occupying a relegation slot, after slipping down one place following a defeat against leaders Warkworth.

Some of the best-known names in British sport came to the North East yesterday to help a charity set up in aid of some of the world's most disadvantaged children.

A host of sporting stars including cricket legend Sir Ian Botham, Olympic champion Daley Thompson and Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn teed off in a charity golf tournament at Northumberland's Slaley Hall to raise money for the Coco fund.

Steve Cram (far right) with the sporting celebrities who took part

Local sporting celebrities who took part in the tournament included Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper and Durham cricketers Steven Harmison and Phil Mustard.