Northumberland Gazette

19/09/2026

🎣 Enforcement activity will focus on detecting, deterring and preventing illegal fishing and poaching offences at a time when fish are particularly vulnerable

19/09/2026

The top lunch spots in Northumberland according to Google reviews

19/09/2026

Belford gets its village hall back as Ferguson Hall purchase completed

19/09/2026

🤔 A classical album inspired by the Holy Island of Lindisfarne is set to be released this October

19/09/2026

Northumberland Scout Group makes appeal for new leaders: "We are not short of children — we are just short of grown-ups"

19/09/2026

👏 Northumberland Zoo has successfully released 348 endangered white-clawed crayfish into protected waters.

The release is a landmark moment for the zoo, whose crayfish hatchery is designed to give the young craylings a head start before being released at ark sites established to support new populations in Northumberland waters.

The journey to this release began in November 2024 when the zoo joined forces with the Environment Agency, Tyne Rivers Trust and the National Trust to rescue female white-clawed crayfish carrying eggs from the River Wansbeck.

The rescue followed the discovery of unexplained deaths and unusual symptoms within one of the world's highest-density populations of the endangered species.

While the females were cared for at the zoo, their eggs hatched safely in spring 2025 before the adults were successfully returned to the river.

Over the following year, the juvenile crayfish were carefully reared by the zoo's keeper team until they reached the minimum size required for release.

The crayfish were then released into secure, isolated water bodies where they can live away from the threats affecting wild populations.

Lucy Edwards, curator, said: “As our facility was built for a much smaller number of berried females, it was quite a jump going from three females to the 53 that were taken in during this rescue.

“I’m really proud of the amount of effort that the keeper team put into learning about the husbandry of this species, as well as the intense problem-solving required for such a sensitive species.”

19/09/2026

☑️ A £600,000 investment has been secured to create two new youth hubs in Northumberland

19/09/2026

19/09/2026

Intake ready to find new homes

19/09/2026

💪 A physiotherapist has raised over £1,100 for Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity after taking on the Great North Run in memory of her grandfather.

Francesca Moulton joined more than 80 runners representing Bright Charity, the official charity of Northumbria Healthcare.

Together, participants have helped raise vital funds to enhance patient experience and staff wellbeing across Northumberland and North Tyneside.

Francesca, who works within the trust as a physiotherapist, has already raised an impressive £1,196 and counting, smashing her original fundraising target.

Her motivation for taking part was deeply personal.

Francesca said: "Over the past year, I've had the privilege of working as a physiotherapist at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and during that time I've seen first-hand the extraordinary care the trust provides to patients, their families and support networks.

“Bright plays a vital role in improving facilities, equipment, patient support and overall care. Donations help fund things the NHS simply cannot, allowing the trust to continually develop, improve and go above and beyond for those who need it most.

"I completed this year's Great North Run in memory of my Grandad, who sadly passed away just over two years ago.

"In his final months, he spent a lot of time in hospital, and it made me truly appreciate how vital compassionate care and a strong sense of community are, not just for patients, but for their families too.”

Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity raises funds to support projects, equipment, facilities and initiatives that go above and beyond NHS provision, helping to improve experiences for patients, families and staff across the trust.

Rob Graham, Head of Charity at Bright, said: "We're incredibly grateful to Francesca for taking on the Great North Run in support of Bright.

"As a member of Team Northumbria, she sees every day the difference charitable funding can make to patients, families and staff.

"To then go out and complete one of the world's most iconic running events while raising such a fantastic amount is an incredible achievement.

"Francesca's story is both inspiring and heartfelt, and we're delighted that she has raised more than £1,100 to help us continue making healthcare experiences brighter across our communities."