THE personal details of thousands of farmers have been lost in a Government data blunder.

Rural Payments Agency (RPA) computer tapes containing the names, bank details, addresses and passwords of more than 100,000 farmers were discovered missing in May, after they were transferred from RPA offices in Newcastle.

Controversial plans to use a remote Northumberland farm as a rehabilitation centre for alcoholics and drug users have been rejected by a Government planning inspector.

Ten local residents objected last year after the Tyneside Cyrenians charity unveiled the plan for the residential treatment centre at Elishaw Farm near Otterburn.

The farmhouse, two holiday cottages and farm buildings were earmarked as a rehab centre for up to 10 people because of the remote location, where clients would be removed from temptations they would face in a more urban setting.

Walker Central and Wark are enjoying a six-point lead at the head of the Premier Division.

Wark beat in-form visitors Alnwick Town 3-1.

Although Alnwick's Ben Keenan cancelled out Tony Lancaster's early strike for Wark Lancaster netted again to restore the home side's lead and their third goal was claimed by Phil Thompson.

Plans by housing association Milecastle Housing to build six affordable homes at Hawkstone Hill in Falstone near Hexham have been recommended for approval.

Officers say permission should be conditional on a legal agreement the houses will be affordable and only available to local residents, and a contribution from Milecastle of £9,732 towards sports and play facilities is made.

A massive effort is needed to explain the value of the North's uplands to the public, claims a rural leader.

Martyn Howat, pictured, Director of the Uplands for Natural England, was speaking at Northumberland National Park's first public forum which has been launched to seek feedback from local people.

The Journal reported recently that only 3% of people questioned nationally were aware of Northumberland National Park.

Santa is coming to Northumberland.

More than 7,000 tickets have already been sold for the Kielder Winter Wonderland after event organisers Northumbrian Water put the tickets on sale.

Leaplish Waterside Park, which is on the shores of Kielder Water, is turned into a festive grotto for the event.

For more information go to www.visitkielder.com.

Northern Alliance Premier Division leaders Wark booked themselves a third-round League Cup slot at the weekend. They had Marc Nixon completing a hat-trick in their 4-1 home result against visitors Carlisle City.

Phil Thompson had claimed Wark's opener only five minutes into the game. City, who had won the League Cup four times in the last decade, could only manage a single reply by Ollie Driver.

Air Ambulance cover for the region has been reinstated.

Fears for families in more remote parts of the North East were raised when the Great North Air Ambulance announced its fleet of helicopters would be grounded over the weekend.

Bad luck and coincidence of timing were blamed for technical faults on the Cumbria and Northumberland aircraft occurring just as the lease of the Teesside helicopter expired.

Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service is taking to the road to attract new recruits.

A series of events are being held across the county to inform people of career opportunities with the service.

Article sent in by Fiona Lander of Bellingham All Acoustic

By the time you read this, Bellingham All Acoustic or 'Baa Club' will be 1 year old! The acoustic music club, set up by local musicians Landermason, run the evening once a month in the back conservatory of the Riverdale Hall Hotel...It's usually the last Thursday of the month but with their own touring committments, occasionally it has to be changed.

The venue is warm, cosy and intimate, limited to around 50 with a small PA used. (This is not necessarily to increase the volume but simply enhance the vocal and instrumental sounds).