We're told that exports are the key to Britain's slow climb out of recession. Here in the Hexham Local History Society we're pleased to be doing our little bit through our new online shop, set up for us by Talking Hat Associates (http://www.talkinghat.co.uk/). This is well stocked with the many publications produced by the Society over the past twenty years: books on many aspects of the town's history and it's leading personalities, and our annual journal 'Hexham Historian'.

Ted Wall, who looks after our publication sales, has long been used to a constant stream of postal requests, but the online shop makes it much easier for people to buy. And now that Paypal can be used as a means of payment we have found a sudden surge of interest from overseas. The Society's website has registered hits from all continents, including a curious level of interest from the Ivory Coast (!) and this is now being translated into export earnings from shop sales. While an internet presence and selling capability is vital, it is the content that sells, of course. See for yourself what's on offer at http://hexhamhistorian.org/pages/shop.php. Always open!

Beleaguered council bosses in Northumberland have been left anxiously waiting for a key Government decision on whether they will have to find a further £11m in "horrendous" budget cuts.

County council leaders expected to be told yesterday whether ministers will allow them to use a financial loophole to avoid having to make almost £30m in savings this year.

But last night - as the authority revealed it has dropped plans to close a number of tourist information centres in Northumberland - there had still been no decision from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

Hexham is to hold its first Shrovetide Festival.

Hexham is to hold a special pancake themed Farmers' Market, with traditional pancake race, Mardi Gras carnival competition and live music from Mardi Gras band Tenth Avenue three days early on Saturday, February 13.

The market will be selling pancakes and eggs and butter for people to make their own on Shrove Tuesday.

A cut-price travel scheme for elderly and disabled people who are too frail to use buses looks set to become a victim of tough council budget cuts in Northumberland.

More than 800 vulnerable pensioners across the county use the scheme, which allows them concessionary travel in taxis because they are unable to use other forms of public transport.

They use council-issued vouchers, tokens or passes to pay for taxi trips to the shops, GP and hospital appointments or to visit relatives and friends.

A council facing serious financial problems is considering providing mortgages for people struggling to get a home loan because of the credit crunch.

Cash-strapped Northumberland County Council - which is having to make budget cuts of up to £50m over two years - is thinking of using its capital resources to help would-be home buyers who are being frustrated by the continued squeeze on lending.

A report is being prepared for the Liberal Democrat executive in March on the possibility of the authority giving mortgages "in certain circumstances" to applicants unable to secure a loan from commercial lenders.

Pupils at Acomb First School have benefited from teachers, parents, governors and even villagers giving years of extra work and dedication.

Everyone has given extra effort to ensure each pupil fulfills their potential and, with good links to the community, the whole 'school family' is involved.

Tesco fun run at Acomb First School

The hard work has paid off, with a stunning Ofsted report that remarked on the way 'staff unfailingly go the extra mile' and how pupils are 'well motivated and enjoyment is palpable'.

The cream of the region's triathlon talent will be put through its paces in Hexham this weekend.

The North East Regional Junior Academy will be selecting athletes to represent the area in the forthcoming 2010 season.

As part of that selection process, a talent identification day will be staged at the Wentworth Leisure Centre in Hexham on Saturday (12.30).

A North East brewer has stirred up more controversy over its soft drinks.

A 24-year-old nurse was asked to provide proof that she was over 18 when attempting to buy two bottles of Fentimans Curiosity Cola in a Tesco in Santry, Dublin at the weekend.

Staff insisted that the trace alcohol, less that 0.5 % ABV, in the drink means it cannot be sold to under 18s.

Hexham 1, Swalwell 1

It has been six long weeks ago since Hexham took to the field in the Northern Alliance, the two week Christmas break and the arctic conditions that the region has been suffering have all conspired to make this seem like starting pre season all over again.

It was December 12th the last time Hexham took to the field and as coincidence would have it Swalwell were again the opposition. But this time Hexham were determined not to make the same mistake again as in the previous match when they let a two goal lead slip away in the last five minutes only to share the points.

Curtis Harvey was starting his first game for the home side and along with striking partner Jamie MacManee and they both made impression early on. As the game begun Hexham were on the offensive and could have scored in the first minute when MacManee and Harvey combined but visiting keeper Tim Wakefield rushed from his line to smother the danger.

The Duchess of Northumberland was in Hexham yesterday to open a revamped hospice shop.

The Duchess called to officially open the refurbished Tynedale Hospice shop and new book shop, which supports the work of the hospice set up in Tynedale 16 years ago.

The Duchess is pictured with Edith Russell, Brian Massey, Christine Mitchel and Trish Fawcett

Last year, the charity's running costs were over £250,000 and around 15% of this was provided by Northumberland Care Trust.