Evening Chronicle

Celebrating Our Rich Lotto Legacy ; This Weeks Marks the National Lottery's 15th Birthday. Kim Carmichael Looks at Some of the Many Local Causes That Have Benefited

FROM fast cars to holiday homes, many people have at some point pondered how they would spend the jackpot. While for most of us, the private jets and massive mansions will never happen, in the 15 years since the National Lottery was launched, players have contributed a staggering pounds 23bn to good causes around the UK.

A Fitting Tribute

A COUPLE drew inspiration from the loss of their daughter to cancer at the age of just 16. Ged and Julie Hoburn pledged to help North East children who are suffering from the disease after seeing the respite care daughter Sara received before her death.

Thieves Take Cancer Funds From Church ; Vicar's Plea to the Callous Crooks

A VICAR is giving hardhearted thieves the chance to repent after snatching cancer charity cash donated at a funeral. The pounds 350 contributed by North East mourners was intended to boost the funds of Cancer Research.

Nhs Plan On Show

PLANS for a new NHS centre in Northumberland have moved a step closer. The new centre for Morpeth was agreed after extensive public consultation during 2007. Now Northumberland Care Trust, after working in partnership with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, is inviting the public to go along and view the architect's plans.

No Charges After Claim

A MAN who was questioned after a teenager alleged she was raped will not be charged. Police received reports a 17-year-old girl had been attacked in the Park Road area of Consett, County Durham, shortly after midnight on Saturday, September 19.

Match Ban for Yob Fan ; Attack On Derby Day Soccer Rival

A SHAMED fan was spared jail but banned from all football grounds for a onepunch attack on a rival derby day supporter. Blameless victim Christopher Chambers had travelled from his home in Darlington for the Tyne-Tees relegation clash at St James' Park last season. He was heading back to Central Station and got lost at the end of the game, asking a uniformed policeman for directions on Newgate Street.

Bringing Church Back to Life

ART-LOVING pupils are helping to bring to life one of Newcastle's oldest buildings. Students from Excelsior Academy visited St James' Church in Benwell to create artworks that will be displayed in the church hall to make it more welcoming for community and youth groups.

Down Your Way ...

CHOIR ON SONG A CHOIR are putting on two joint concerts this weekend. Music fans have two chances to hear Handel's Messiah, performed by Jesmond Choral Group and Bishop Auckland Choral Society with soloists Shirley Wilkinson, Joan Kelsall, Jonathan Scott and Martin Wheeler. The first is on Friday at Bishop Auckland Methodist Church at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Jennifer Weir on (01388) 747621. The second concert is at St Hilda's Church, West Jesmond, on Saturday at 7.30pm. Tickets pou...

High Note for Talented Teens ; Project's Young Band On the Verge of Making It Big

MUSIC hopefuls are on the verge of making it big after taking centre stage at a Tyneside youth project. Raw Flex, a band formed from regulars at The Chat Shop Music Project, in Arthur's Hill, in Newcastle's West End, is on the verge of making a name for themselves.

Two of My Friends Have Made ; People Are Beginning to See the Light On How the Sun's Energy Can Help Keep Bills Low. Explains Steve Emsley

TWO of my friends have made a decision to invest in solar electricity (PV) panels for their house. They are the first ones in Newcastle I have come across on a privately owned house.

Are You Well-Schooled in Caring for Our World? ; Green Awards

PUPILS who are doing their bit for the environment are invited to enter our awards. We have launched our third Environment Awards to reward all you green Geordies.

Experts On the Road to Greener Travel

THE future of green travel on Tyneside will be discussed at a conference. The ACT TravelWise National Autumn Conference will be held on November 23 and 24 at The Sage Gateshead and the Assembly Rooms, Newcastle.

Down Your Way

TREE-MENDOUS IDEA AN APPLE tree will be planted by families as part of a protest against a new airport. Greenpeace is holding its tree-planting day on November 21 from 3pm at the High Spen Hop Garden community allotment, off Bute Road South, High Spen, Gateshead. Families are invited to go along to take part in activities.

Crooks Cracked ; Police Extend Successful Crackdown On Festive Thieves

A FESTIVE blitz on shop thieves is spreading to the suburbs. Police in Newcastle launched Operation Cracker to combat the annual rise in shoplifting in the run-up to Christmas.

It'll Be All-Reet for the Neets!

NEWCASTLE will be one of the first areas in the country to trial new ways of reducing the number of "Neets". The city has been chosen as one of only 11 locations to look at tackling the issue of young people not in education, employment or training, known as Neets.

Seasonal Safety Tips

TENANTS are being urged to be extra vigilant about personal safety and protecting their property in the run-up to and over the festive period. Housing group Homes for Northumberland is urging all residents to follow a few simple steps to keep opportunist thieves at bay, with many people leaving presents in properties or cars.

Four in the Dock Over Drugs Raid ; Suspects Charged After Police Swoop On Tyneside Pub

PUB staff accused of using a bar to supply cocaine appeared in court. Police launched an undercover operation after a tip-off class A drugs were being sold at a bar in Newcastle's Cloth Market.

Group's Warning On Fuel Poverty

MORE than a quarter of all households in the North East will face the misery of fuel poverty this winter, the highest of any region in the country. As the recession continues to bite, more people than every before will be forced to choose between "eating or heating" and thousands will die simply from their homes being too cold. The warnings come from the UK's leading fuel poverty charity National Energy Action, which is launching its annual Warm Homes Campaign today.

A Rich Tapestry of Life ... In Byker ; Project Proves Sew Fine!

PEOPLE'S memories will be recreated on a tapestry. Residents of Newcastle's East End are being given the chance to tell the story of their communities, thanks to a pounds 94,000 Government grant. Called The East End People's Story, the project will encourage people to explore their local history and will lead to the creation of a Byker tapestry.

In the Swim

YOUNG lifesavers have beat off stiff competition in a national contest. The Blyth Lifeguard and Swimming Club took part in the National Lifesaving Finals at Pond Forge, Sheffield, last month.