Newcastle University required extra time to beat cup hosts Ponteland United 4-1. Liam McIvor's opener for United was cancelled out from the spot by Dave Kewn. In extra time Oliver Heywood scored and Kewn got his hat-trick.

The Environment Agency will host an open evening in Ponteland Memorial Hall at 6.30pm on October 24 to launch a project aimed at raising awareness of the risk of flooding in the village.

Agency staff will be available to answer residents' questions and discuss suggestions for improving flood defences.

There will also be an opportunity for people to join the Flood Wardens scheme.

Former Northumbria Police wildlife officer PC Paul Henery is the force's new Neighbourhood Beat Manager in Ponteland, succeeding PC Jon Gray who has retired.

PC Henery was wildlife officer for 13 years before the post was civilianised last year.

THE annual Ponteland Lions Swimathon, which raises funds for good causes, will be held in the village swimming pool on Saturday November 8.

Teams from local schools, clubs and organisations will be seeking sponsorship from the event.

When a group of enthusiastic Ponteland photographers got together three decades ago, they would have been proud to know how long their legacy would last.

Back in 1978, Ponteland Photographic Society held its very first meeting -- and now the group is celebrating its 30-year anniversary.

The group is gearing up for its new season beginning on September 29 and is welcoming new members to come along and find out how the digital age is changing the face of photography.

Ponteland Red Squirrels group is holding a meeting for anyone who would like to know more about what work they do.

It is a local volunteer group set up to help raise awareness about red squirrels, and maintain and increase their population in the Ponteland and Darras Hall area.

If you would like to find out how you can help to safeguard red squirrels then go along on October 14.

Ponteland Roma and Haydon Bridge drew 3-3 in a match in which the lead changed several times.

Roma started the game playing a bright passing game and this was to set the precedent for both teams for the rest of the encounter.

Ponteland created early chances, which the Bridge keeper dealt with before, against the run of play, Bridge took the lead through Matthew Jackson.

One of the most exciting young Northumberland golfers playing in The Champions is Richard Robson-Crosby, the 16-year-old son of the Ponteland club professional, Alan.

Robson-Crosby junior's attacking style of play is inspired by Sergio Garcia, the world's number one have-a-go golfer.

He's the youngest club champion in the 81-year history of the Ponteland club and has also won the Northumberland Under-21 strokeplay championship at Longhirst Hall this season.

CHRISTMAS is coming early to Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens in Northumberland on the weekend of October 4-5 with English Heritage's Festive Food and Gift Fair.

Regional food producers, gift and craft makers will gather between 10am-4pm on both days.

Exhibitors include Cabosse chocolates from Alnwick, Hebridean Liqueurs, Hadrian Sweets and the Castello Italian food company. Belsay Hall will be open and entry will cost the usual £6.50 for adults, £5.20 for concessions and £3.30 for children.

EDUCATION watchdogs have decided not to interfere in how Northumberland schools handle their end-of- term arrangements - despite concerns being raised about sending pupils home early on the last day of term.

County councillors say it is up to individual headteachers and governors to decide what time youngsters are sent home when schools break up at the end of full and half-terms.

They have debated the issue after Conservative county councillor Richard Dodd voiced concerns over the widespread practice of schools closing at lunchtime on the last day of term.