Game Fishing Supplies in Morpeth is hosting a free event with tips on technique and tackle maintenance, entitled "Is your fishing tackle ready for that big fish?".

It will take place from 9am until 4pm on Saturday (13th February). The main part of the day will consist of demonstrations from AAPGAI Master and classic fly dresser Paul Little, and GAIA instructor and entomologist Cliff Johnston.

We are running two presentations at 11.30am and 1.30pm, followed by the opportunity to discuss, with our experienced staff, the job vacancies and career prospects in further detail.

For further information on our Recruitment Fair and our other opportunities available or for an application pack call the HR & Training Team on 0845 140 00 88.

Heighley Gate nursery and garden centre near Morpeth will hold craft workshops, a 'meet the animals' event and face-painting sessions for children during the half-term holiday.

The Sanctuary Wildlife Care Centre, near Ulgham, will bring some of their rescue animals - including a barn owl and a snake - for children to see, on February 19, from noon to 3pm.

There will also be a chance for youngsters to win an Adopt a Hedgehog package and a visit to the sanctuary.

For details and prices, call the centre on 01670 513 416.

Christians Against Poverty, the national debt-counselling charity, is running special courses in Morpeth throughout this year to help struggling families keep their heads above water.

Delivered through the town's Baptist Church, the sessions will teach good money management skills and give budgeting tips and overall advice on how to limit spending.

A 10-month celebration was launched yesterday of the life of the North East's greatest seafarer.

Captain Steve Healy of Trinity House on Newcastle's quayside, who wants to raise Collingwood's profile

This year sees the 200th anniversary of the death of Admiral Lord Cuthbert Collingwood who was born in Newcastle and whose family home in Morpeth still stands.

The free event for all ages starts at 12.30pm and covers a two-mile loop. Meet at the Elliott Bridge.

Yesterday worried residents in Morpeth were urged to attend the public exhibition and have their say - but were also warned there is little chance of securing any improvements to the £16m scheme.

The Environment Agency will carry out a final consultation on its preferred option for the flood alleviation project in the town hall on Thursday from 2pm and 8pm.

On Wednesday February 17th we look forward to a music group of undergraduates from Cambridge University led by Rachel Stroud (Violin) who gave us a splendid recital last year.

On Wednesday March 17th a group of Year 12 & 13 students from King Edward VI School in Morpeth will be performing music for Tenor Voice, Cello, Trombone and Violin.

Details of the April concert on 14th are not yet finalised.

All concerts are from 12.30 to 1.30 pm. Tickets £3.00 at the door.

Evening Concert
On Saturday 6th February we again welcome a return visit from the Felling Male Voice Choir. This concert will commence at 7.00 pm and we expect a "full house" for this splendid choir.

Joining St Aidan's will be a young lady violinist from Newminster Middle School and a group of four young ladies from KEVI, an Oboist, a Soprano- also playing Oboe and two Flautists singing and playing a selection of seasonal music.

As usual at the December concert non-alcoholic mulled wine with shortbread as well as the usual tea and coffee will be available free of charge. Admission to the concert is £3.00 and tickets may be obtained at the door. Come along, join the fun & bring your sandwiches!

Residents in Morpeth are living under the constant fear of a repeat of the devastating floods in September last year which hit 1,000 homes and businesses.

Now progress on plans for improved flood defences, advice on how to protect property and help with problems such as insurance will all be on the agenda at tomorrow's Flood Awareness event in the Town Hall from 11am to 7pm.

More than 200 soldiers will march through the town centre, starting in Manchester Street at about 1.30pm.

Road closures will be in place from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

The centre, planned on the site of the former Mount old people's home, will provide some of the services currently based at Morpeth Cottage Hospital, which is awaiting closure.

It will offer patients diagnostic, outpatient and primary care services, and provide a new base for Greystoke and Gas House Lane GP practices.

Drop-in sessions will get feedback from residents on the plans.

They are at Morpeth Methodist Church in Howard Terrace on Monday and Tuesday from 3pm to 7pm.

The Town Hall, which has recently been restored and improved at a cost of £1.2m, will be the venue for a Viking-themed evening on Saturday, December 12.

The Gastabud - a banquet including Norse legend storytelling and period music - will be the first of a number of events organised by newly established company Orcestrator.

The play will be at Whalton Village Hall on 3rd December at 6.30pm and Pegswood Community Centre on 16th December at 6.00pm. In the new year it will be at newly refurbished Morpeth Town Hall on 26th January at 7.00pm and at Longhirst Village Hall on the 30th at 6.30pm.

The cast includes NTC regulars Kim Evans and Gemma Clough and newcomers William Reay from Bellingham and Christopher Ranson.

Visit www.northumberlandtheatre.co.uk for a full list of performances and contact details for tickets.