Ashington Football Club's youth side had a new style of opposition to deal with when they entertained South American opposition in a friendly.

The club's under-19s hosted Peru's Juventud Bellavista Juniors in a one-off match as part of the South American club's two-week visit to Britain, which included visiting famous British landmarks as well as playing friendlies across the country.

The tour was been a welcome break for the Juventud players, many of whom are used to living in poverty in the Amazon rainforest.

A church raising funds to repair its ancient roof is open to the public this week.

The nave roof at St Andrew's Church, Bothal, Northumberland, dates back to the 14th century but requires significant conservation over the next two years.

An appeal was launched to raise funds with a target of £65,000. So far nearly £55,000 has been collected with nearly half provided by English Heritage.

A talented Northumbrian musician has produced a charity CD after being moved by his daughters' voluntary work in Africa.

The plight of African children gave Paul Slaughter, from Campion Way, Ashington, the spur to finally realise his long term aim of creating a album.

To Africa With Love will help raise money for The Walk, a project in Nakuru, Kenya, that gives homeless children somewhere to go, learn, and have something to eat.

Paul, 52, said: "I've been putting it off and putting it off, largely because I was looking for a reason to do it. So I decided I will make a CD and donate all the funds from it to what I see as a worthwhile cause.

A wedding organiser's nightmare has befallen a North East vicar.

The Rev Barry Welch has set aside his church, Trinity Church in Ashington, for the wedding of a mystery couple on September 12.

But two things are now preying on his mind - one is that the couple will turn up on the day after failing to complete the necessary paperwork.

Today marks a special day on the North East calendar as we celebrate the life of the patron saint of Northumberland, St Cuthbert.

Often regarded as the most popular saint of medieval times and one of the most important, March 20 sees people celebrate the anniversary of the death of the region's own patron saint.

Pilgrims make their way across the causeway to Holy Island on Good Friday, 2006

Born in 634 AD, Cuthbert was born in the Lammermuir Region where he grew to work as a young shepherd.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll while hearing about some of your local history from an expert.

Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, are inviting people to come along on their Bothal Church Heritage Walk, a five-mile walk suitable for all ages.

The leisurely walk follows the River Wansbeck to the historic Bothal Church and back, and local historian Barry Mead will be pointing out areas of interest.

A community group helping adults with learning difficulties has received a cash boost.

Learners meet twice a week at Trinity Church, Station Road, Ashington, where they get involved with art and charity work.

The group was awarded £1,500 to develop a community garden in the town from the Wansbeck You Decide programme.

An 800-year-old church has been given £33,000 to carry out urgent repairs.

The cash from English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund goes to St Andrew's Church in Bothal, Northumberland.

The grade I listed structure dates from the 13th Century and retains Jacobean and Elizabethan features.

Northumbrian Water's Ellington Colliery Band will perform its annual Christmas Concert in St John's Church, Seaton Hirst, Ashington on Friday (19th Dec) at 7.30pm.

Tickets priced £5, which includes wine and refreshments, are available by calling (01670) 813218/851537, or on the door.

Art will be on show at a charity coffee morning.

The Ashington Community Project, a group of adults with learning disabilities, has created artworks which will go on display at the Trinity Church on Station Road in the town on Wednesday.

The coffee morning, taking place from 11am to 1pm, will raise money for the Wansbeck Hospital.