People in Northumberland are getting good adult social care, according to a new national inspection.

The Commission for Social Care Inspection has given Northumberland's adult services department a two-star rating, and says it has "excellent capacity" for improvement.

The North Pennine Dales Leader programme has appointed Sue Ellwood as its project co-ordinator.

The Leader programme, which operates in Allendale as well as rural Cumbria and County Durham, will be working to address the viability of agriculture, supporting local services, attracting tourism and supporting business growth.

Local action group chairman Richard Betton said: "I am delighted with the appointment of Sue as the Leader project coordinator.

"She brings with her a proven track record of assisting businesses within the local rural economy to grow and thrive, which will be a huge asset to the delivery of the North Pennine Leader Local Delivery Group's aspirations for the area."

The success of this year's Northumberland County Show has benefited a number of local charities.

With 26,500 visitors going through the gates, the Tynedale Agricultural Society has been able to donate thousands of pounds to charities and donate 10 free trade spaces at next year's event.

Hexham Conservatives have selected a London-based barrister to stand for election when Peter Atkinson MP steps down. Former senior Tory adviser Guy Opperman will fight for the Hexham seat at the next general election.

He has previously unsuccessfully contested seats in London and Swindon and worked as an adviser to the former Shadow Foreign Secretary, Michael Ancram.

Allendale Caravan Park, nestled in the beautiful surroundings of the Allen Valley in Catton, has benefited from the Government's Train to Gain service, launched two years ago.

When former engineers Verona and Mike Woodhouse decided to up sticks, move north and buy a rundown caravan park, their friends thought they had lost the plot.

Artists in the Allendale area will be opening their studios to the public as part of the Christmas Art Tour 2008.

The Tour takes place in 20 studios between November 14 and December 15 and includes painters, potters, ceramicists, jewellery makers, photographers and craft makers.

Ceramicist Steph Jamieson will be throwing opens the doors at a former dairy at Allendale. In nearby Catton, Jos Mahon, pictured, will be opening up her studio to show work from her recent travels.

An award-winning brewer will launch a new brand of beer to celebrate his success.

Tom Hick, who runs the Allendale Brewing Company in Northumberland, was crowned 2008 Young Rural Entrepreneur of the Year at a ceremony last month.

And this Friday he will launch a new beer to recognise the achievement.

South Tynedale Councillor- Colin Horncastle
CWHorncastle@northumberlandcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01434 618259

Hexham MP Peter Atkinson:
Tel: 0207 2194013 / 01434 603954
www.peteratkinson.com

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Information from Northumberland County Council on roadworks happening in the area.