Voluntary and community groups in Northumberland have been warned they are facing a reduction in funding for their work - because of the recession and tough budget savings required by the county council.

However, County Hall bosses have reassured the sector that a funding package of £1.3m will still be available next year. Budget proposals recommend more money for charities directly supporting those people worst affected by the recession.

These will include services such as credit unions and the Citizens' Advice Bureau.

A ten-year-old Northumberland gymnast has shown her stamina after cycling 100 miles in just over two days to raise money for her club.

Kate Rogers, from Newton, near Corbridge, took on the coast to coast route after finding out her gymnastics club needed money for new equipment.

Her little legs lasted the distance and she did the 100 miles in two and a half days and two overnight stops at Gilsland and at home in Newton.

A youth group centre that was once infested with rats has got the go-ahead to build a new meeting place - and now the hard work of fundraising is underway.

Corbridge youth initiative has got permission to build a new centre on the Corbridge Middle School site after its current home became run down after many years of use.

Not only is it 30-40 years old but, earlier this year, it suffered a rat infestation which temporarily forced the group to meet elsewhere.

It has been quite a year for One Life Racing, the Tyne Valley-based triathlon and multisports club.

Newly-opened state-of-the- art training facilities at Wentworth Leisure in Hexham have enabled club officials to accommodate the ever-growing demand for new memberships, with numbers rising to more than 200 during 2009.

One Life athletes have also been enjoying remarkable success on a regional, national as well as international level, with four senior members being crowned national champions in their respective age groups.

A superb game saw Corbridge United win 7-5 against Forest Hall Reds.

The Reds were leading 3-2 at half-time with Walsh, Taylor and Moulden their scorers and Callum Outterside and James Hollingsworth countering for Corbridge.

In the second half Corbridge stepped up a gear with Oliver Hancock and Reuben Oliver getting on the score-sheet, plus Outterside and hat-trick hero Hollingsworth adding to their tally.

Fortunately for Corbridge, further responses from the Reds' Walsh and Moulden weren't enough for Forest Hall to get anything from the game.

Tynedale could become a top filming venue for movie and TV crews in the future. This is part of the ambitious plan of a group that wants to promote the area and make the most of its burgeoning arts scene.

Members of Tynedale FM want to expand the currently closed district radio station and are looking into many possibilities to promote the area, including an arts magazine.

They have even discussed cutting-edge technology to keep locals engaged with what is going on in their part of Northumberland, including getting the radio through the mobile and having podcasts for people to download.

A new music group for babies and toddlers is starting in Corbridge next month.

Musical Minis, which aims to introduce young children to music and percussion in a fun and relaxed environment, is for children aged from 6 months to four years.

The classes will take place in the Methodist Church hall every Friday at 2pm, starting on Friday 11th September. There is more information at www.musicalminis.co.uk .

A volunteer-run radio station is hoping to become a permanent fixture in Northumberland after being granted a licence to continue broadcasting.

Tynedale FM has a new month-long licence from telecoms watchdog Ofcom, and the station hopes it might lead to a permanent licence sometime in the future.

The radio station was given a month-long restricted service licence to test the water back in December, which went successfully and uncovered some talented presenters.

A South American wine tasting event is to be held.

A selection of wines from Chile and Argentina's finest winemakers and nibbles will be included in the price of £8.

The event, promoted by the Newton and Bywell Social Group in association with Dennhofer Wines, takes place At the Newton and Bywell Community Hall at 7.15pm for 7.30pm on Thursday July 9.

Tickets are available from Heinz on 01661 844622 or Adrian on 01661 843896.

Older people are being asked to volunteer their time to help their peers stay active and independent.

Northumberland Care Trust, in partnership with Age Concern, is looking for volunteers to become "senior health mentors" to other older people in their community.

Ann Kirkup, project co-ordinator for the health mentor scheme in Northumberland, with Jean Sanders in Newbiggin, who has volunteered as a senior peer mentor.

The volunteers will be trained to help, support and encourage those they are mentoring on the benefits of healthy eating and exercise, as well as offering social interaction.