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Children’s Minister Robert Goodwill has met members of the West Bedlington Early Years Partnership to hear about their experiences of delivering 30 hours of free childcare.

Police have released CCTV footage of two people they would like to speak to in connection with the use of a suspected stolen bank card. The bank card was used at The Premier shop in Blyth on Monday, October 16. It followed an overnight house burglary, Sunday into Monday, October 15-16, at Woburn Drive, Bedlington Station, where a bank card was reported stolen. Anyone who recognises either person is asked to ring 101, quoting reference 0185 of 16/10/17 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Newcastle firms JDDK Architects and Fairhurst Consulting Engineers have formed a new partnership that will design and build cutting edge cancer treatment centres across the country. The new partnership is called DFJ Designs and also includes Manchester building consultants Dresco. It will work exclusively on the development of three proton beam therapy centres, which are used to treat cancer, including one in Northumberland. The oncology centres are being brought to the UK by Proton Partners International, and will be built in Reading, Liverpool and at the Earth Balance centre near Bedlington, Northumberland. Each cancer centre will offer proton beam therapy as well as conventional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, diagnostics, imaging, and wellbeing services. Kevin Turnbull, director of JDDK Architects, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed on a long-term strategic partnership contract for Proton Partners International and to have now been confirmed as the incumbent team to deliver all future centres for the company across the UK.” DFJ Designs was launched at JDDK’s 30th anniversary celebrations. The partnership has already collaborated on two of the projects at Northumberland and Reading, while the Liverpool project is set to start in January.

Children’s Minister Robert Goodwill met with members of the West Bedlington Early Years Partnership in Northumberland on Friday (November 17) to hear from them about their experience of delivering 30 hours free childcare. The Minister visited Bedlington West End First School, one of the five providers who launched the Partnership, to meet with council, school and nursery staff involved in the government’s early delivery scheme which offered 30 hours to local families from September 2016. The minister also confirmed that councils will be able to bid for additional funding to support projects that will directly benefit their delivery of 30 hours. The Delivery Support Fund, worth over £8.5 million, will help councils work with childcare providers to deliver 30 hours to all parents who want a place, as demand continues to increase into the summer term. Children and Families Minister Robert Goodwill said: "I have heard excellent things about the delivery of 30 hours in Northumberland so I am delighted to have seen for myself how it’s working and to speak to providers involved with the West Bedlington Early Years Partnership. “I commend the way Northumberland has worked closely with providers to address the unique challenges it faces from being a rural area. Parents who previously may not have felt able to go back to work or increase their hours, are now getting the benefits of 30 hours of free childcare.” Northumberland is also taking the lead in sharing their learning from delivering 30 hours through the Department for Education’s ‘buddying’ scheme for councils. The scheme will partner high-performing councils, including more of the 12 early delivery areas, with those who are still in the early stages of delivering 30 hours. Councillor Wayne Daley, Deputy Leader of Northumberland County Council, and cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “I know how important childcare is and this fantastic scheme allows us to make sure we give children the best start in life and support parents to work. “This visit was a great opportunity for Minister Goodwill to see an example of how this scheme is implemented and discuss the benefits and challenges we have faced along the way.” The Delivery Support Fund, which opened to council bids on Friday 17 November, will be available for a range of projects to help with delivery of the 30 hours scheme. These projects might include better business support for providers, developing effective networks locally like the West Bedlington Early Years Partnership, increased support for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) taking up 30 hours, or enhanced IT systems to allow for automated payments to providers. The fund could also be used to hold events or workshops for councils to share best practice. The West Bedlington Early Years Partnership was established with the support of the Early Years team at Northumberland County Council. It is made up of Bedlington West End First School, West End Preschool, Trinity Preschool, Trinity Out Of School Club and St Bedes RC Voluntary Aided Primary School. The Minister’s visit ended with a tour of the First School’s site, which is currently being redeveloped to expand its 30 hour provision, thanks to a successful capital bid from the Department. This build will rehouse West End Preschool and Trinity Out Of School Club, increasing the number of 30 hours places available. Staff spoke to the Minister about how the providers are working together to support accommodation needs, making sure parents can access the childcare they need while building work is underway. The 30 hours offer, which launched nationally in September for working parents of three and four-year-olds in England, can save families around £5,000 per year on the cost of childcare, helping them to balance their jobs and family lives. Thousands of families are already taking up the offer this term, and those who are eligible for places from January 1 are being encouraged to apply now and by November 30 to secure a place in good time.

Calls have been made for the introduction of mandatory sprinkler systems in all schools across the country following a major fire in Bedlington.

Fresh concerns have been raised over the future of a key structure at Humford Country Park in Bedlington following a site visit.

This round-up of events is written by readers. To get your charity event or story included, simply fill out the form at www.chroniclelive.co.uk/charitynews New resource funded by £25k from Morrisons Foundation A brand new technology training room for foster carers and adopters to learn the skills they need to safeguard the children in their care has been opened by leading UK children’s charity Barnardo’s. The room is based in the North East Fostering and Adoption office, in Lumley Court in Chester-le-Street . The equipment and training will allow foster carers and adopters to work with confidence around social media applications and websites, such as Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram. It will help Barnardo’s staff demonstrate the risks and issues around the internet effectively and get the safeguarding message across to some of the most vulnerable young people in the North East. Alison Rowland, Assistant Head of Business Family Placement East, said: “It is great to have this resource available to spread this vital message. All children can be at risk of sexual exploitation when going online and interacting with strangers, even if they have a supportive home environment. What can start as an innocent and harmless chat with a ‘friend’, can very quickly develop into a dangerous relationship with devastating consequences. “That’s why it’s crucial carers can make the children they foster or adopt aware of the dangers online and explain how to keep themselves safe. I’d like to thank the Morrisons Foundation for supporting us to help us keep some very vulnerable young people safe online.”

An MP is calling on the Government to fit all new and refurbished schools with sprinklers after four classrooms were destroyed in a suspected arson attack. A fire broke out at St Benet Biscop Catholic Academy in Bedlington, Northumberland, on October 26, causing “substantial damage” to one classroom. Teachers said the blaze spread and damaged three other classrooms at the school, which is not fitted with sprinklers. Northumbria Police has launched an investigation into the incident and believe the fire may have been started deliberately. Now, Wansbeck MP Ian Lavery has written to Amber Rudd MP, Justine Greening MP and Alok Sharma MP demanding sprinklers are installed in all schools. In the letter, Mr Lavery said: “Many local people have been in touch regarding the provision of sprinkler systems, appalled that their presence is not mandatory either in new build or existing schools.

Drivers are being advised ahead of a series of road closures throughout the North East on Remembrance Sunday. Thousands throughout the region will join together at a host of events to pay tribute to our fallen soldiers. ChronicleLive is compiling a gallery of photographs to show services and remembrance events across the North East, so please send a photograph to yourpictures@chroniclelive.co.uk telling us when and where you were. And if you’re planning on travelling by car on the morning of Remembrance Sunday, here is a list of the road closures that will temporarily be in place: Alnwick 3.15pm to 4pm - Percy Street, Green Batt, Hotspur Street. Bondgate Without, Bondgate Within, Fenkle Street

Housebuilder Miller Homes transformed its Broadoaks development in Bedlington this Hallowe’en with the help of children from the nearby West End First School.

Rock legend Mark Knopfler honoured fallen war heroes as he performed a moving guitar version of the Last Post. Mark, who grew up on Tyneside, dedicated his performance to the 17,000 Northumberland Fusiliers killed in the First World War. The rendition was part of a centenary music project organised by community group Superact, which will see events held between November 4 to 18 to mark 100 years since the start of the Great War. Mark said: “The First World War left its mark on families throughout the UK, and throughout the world. “It is important to remember the sacrifices made, and to think about why wars happen.” Having gone to school in Blyth, Mark dedicated the Last Post performance to the Northumberland regiment, which suffered more casualties in the war then any other.

Three men have been charged after four armed robberies targeting taxi drivers in recent weeks in Newcastle and Gateshead. The robberies were carried out by offenders who initially got into the taxis, acting as fare paying passengers, directing the driver to a destination and then threatening and robbing them of cash and other property. The first happened on Diana Street in Newcastle, in the early hours of Thursday, October 19, when a taxi driver was robbed at gunpoint, by two men. Next, a driver was the victim of a knifepoint robbery with three offenders near Priory Court in Gateshead on Friday morning, November 3. Two further gun point robberies took place in Byker with two offenders responsible, both crimes in the early hours of Monday, November 6, both on Brinkburn Street after they earlier picked up fares from other locations. The taxi drivers targeted in these crimes were shocked by the incidents but otherwise unharmed and have been helping police. Detectives in Newcastle investigating these crimes have charged three men: A 20-year-old man from Gateshead, charged with one robbery, and threatening a person with a bladed instrument. An 18-year-oold man, from Newcastle, charged with three robberies and two counts of possessing an imitation firearm and threatening a person with a bladed instrument, they both appeared before Bedlington Magistrates' on Thursday, November 9. The third man is due before Bedlington Magistrates court today, Friday, November 10. He is also aged 18, from Newcastle, charged with four robberies, three counts of possessing an imitation firearm and threatening a person with a bladed instrument.

From Monday November 13th, until the end of Sunday November 26th, Northumbria Police will take part in Operation Aztec. Operation Aztec is part of a National Firearms Surrender, giving members of the community an opportunity to safely and anonymously dispose of firearms and ammunition. The purpose of the surrender is to reduce the risk of harm to the public as well as protecting our communities. Previously such items have included weapons that have been overlooked, antiques, inheritances or that belong to family and friends. This is a surrender not an amnesty. This surrender does not mean that the police will not investigate any offences prior to its surrender and the public should be reassured that we will continue to vigorously investigate offences linked to any firearm we receive. Northumbria Police’s Chief Inspector Dave Gould our local lead on the surrender said: “This surrender gives people an opportunity to safely and anonymously dispose of firearms and ammunition in a safe environment. “The more firearms and ammunition out of harm’s way helps us keep our communities safe, avoids the risk of them getting into the wrong hands and the possibility of them being used in crime. “The surrender not only applies to firearms and ammunition, but includes replica firearms, air weapons, BB guns, imitation firearms, component parts and other ballistic items. No firearm will be refused. “Fortunately Northumbria has a low number of firearm related crimes however, we want to do all we can to get these types of weapons off our streets and out of our communities. Every weapon we retrieve has the potential to save a life and I urge people to get involved and do the right thing.” While there are designated police stations for the surrender, the public can go to any police station and they will accept any and all firearms and ammunition. For a list of designated police stations please see below: Alnwick Prudhoe Street, Alnwick, NE66 1UJ - 9am to 5pm (5 days a week) Ashington Lintonville Terrace, Ashington, NE63 8HD - 9am to 5pm (5 days a week) Bedlington Schalksmuhle Road, Bedlington, NE22 7LA - 8am to 8pm (7 days a week) Berwick Church Street, Berwick upon Tweed, TD15 1DZ - 9am to 5pm (5 days a week) Byker Clifford Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1EA - 9am to 5pm (5 days a week) Etal Lane Etal Lane, Westerhope, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 4AW - 9am to 5pm (5 days a week) Gateshead High West Street, Gateshead, NE8 1BN - 8am to 8pm (7 days a week) Hexham Shaftoe Leazes, Hexham, NE46 3DG - 9am to 5pm (5 days a week) Houghton-le-Spring Dairy Lane, Houghton le Spring, DH4 5BL - 10am to 2pm (5 days a week) Newcastle City Centre Forth Banks, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3PH - 8am to 8pm (7 days a week North Shields Upper Pearson Street, North Shields, NE30 1AB - 9am to 5pm (5 days a week) South Shields Millbank, Station Road, South Shields, NE33 1RR - 8am to 8pm (7 days a week) Southwick Church Bank, Southwick, Sunderland, SR5 2DU - 8am to– 8pm (7 days a week) Wallsend Middle Engine Lane, Wallsend, NE28 9NT - 8am to 8pm (7 days a week) Washington The Galleries, Washington, NE38 7RY - 9am to 5pm (5 days a week) Whickham Front Street, Whickham, NE16 4HE - 9am to – 5pm (5 days a week) For frequently asked questions please see below: Q1) How long will the surrender campaign last? A) Police forces are encouraged to run the campaign for two weeks between 13 and 26 November this year. Q2) What is the main purpose of the firearms surrender? A) To reduce the volume of guns in circulation in the UK which could get into the hands of criminals. A surrender could save lives. Q3) How effective are these campaigns for targeting real criminals? A) Several forces have held gun surrenders since the last national surrender three years ago and this has resulted in hundreds of firearms and rounds of ammunition being handed in. This can only be a good thing. It takes the weapons out of circulation and out of the hands of criminals. Q4) What items do you think will be handed in? A) In previous campaigns there have been various weapons handed in including antique guns, air weapons, rifles, shotguns. We hope many weapons will be surrendered across the UK. If you want to safely dispose of a firearm you can contact your local police force for advice by dialling 101. Q5) What is the difference between an amnesty and a gun surrender? A) An amnesty exists around a particular point in time when a firearm is surrendered to a lawful authority. Any possession or use of the gun prior to that may be considered for prosecution. The amnesty is not valid for the lifetime of the firearm. Police may still consider prosecution linked to any offences committed before the weapon is handed in during a surrender campaign. The message we want to get out is that anyone with a gun they don’t want or do not legally hold should give it up during the surrender campaign and not wait for the police to turn up at their address. Q6) What will happen to all the guns handed in? A) A proportion of the firearms will be destroyed but some may be retained by armourers if they are of significant interest, unusual, etc. Any guns which can be proved to be linked to crime will be kept as evidence and retained for any future court case proceedings. Q7) If gun crime levels have been falling why do we need surrender campaigns? A) It is true that gun crime levels generally have dropped in the last decade and compared to other countries our gun crime levels are low. However latest figures show gun crime is now on the rise and we cannot be complacent about the continued threat to our communities from criminals with access to guns. NABIS, working together with UK police forces, are determined to carry on suppressing the threat. Gun surrenders are one way to show the public how seriously we all take this issue. We want to get as many firearms out of circulation and off the streets as possible. One gun in the wrong hands can have catastrophic consequences.

Angels for Europe members stood by the market cross in Bedlington to ask passers-by their views on Brexit.

A man has been cleared of killing a popular dad outside a nightclub. Jason Glancey died after an alleged confrontation in Blyth in the early hours of a Sunday morning in April this year. Connor Long was accused of killing Mr Glancey by punching him and causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on the ground but a jury found him not guilty of manslaughter. Newcastle Crown Court heard there had been an incident outside Deja Vu, on Stanley Street, Blyth, on April 30. Prosecutors said Mr Long punched 45-year-old Mr Glancey, knocking him backwards into the road and the impact of his head on the ground fractured his skull. Jurors were told he never regained consciousness and died on May 17 of complications from a traumatic brain injury.

From Monday November 13th, until the end of Sunday November 26th, Northumbria Police will take part in Operation Aztec. Operation Aztec is part of a National Firearms Surrender, giving members of the community an opportunity to safely and anonymously dispose of firearms and ammunition. The purpose of the surrender is to reduce the risk of harm to the public as well as protecting our communities. Previously such items have included weapons that have been overlooked, antiques, inheritances or that belong to family and friends. This is a surrender not an amnesty. This surrender does not mean that the police will not investigate any offences prior to its surrender and the public should be reassured that we will continue to vigorously investigate offences linked to any firearm we receive. Northumbria Police’s Chief Inspector Dave Gould our local lead on the surrender said: “This surrender gives people an opportunity to safely and anonymously dispose of firearms and ammunition in a safe environment. “The more firearms and ammunition out of harm’s way helps us keep our communities safe, avoids the risk of them getting into the wrong hands and the possibility of them being used in crime. “The surrender not only applies to firearms and ammunition, but includes replica firearms, air weapons, BB guns, imitation firearms, component parts and other ballistic items. No firearm will be refused. “Fortunately Northumbria has a low number of firearm related crimes however, we want to do all we can to get these types of weapons off our streets and out of our communities. Every weapon we retrieve has the potential to save a life and I urge people to get involved and do the right thing.” While there are designated police stations for the surrender, the public can go to any police station and they will accept any and all firearms and ammunition. For a list of designated police stations please see below: Alnwick Prudhoe Street, Alnwick, NE66 1UJ - 9am to 5pm (5 days a week) Ashington Lintonville Terrace, Ashington, NE63 8HD - 9am to 5pm (5 days a week) Bedlington Schalksmuhle Road, Bedlington, NE22 7LA - 8am to 8pm (7 days a week) Berwick Church Street, Berwick upon Tweed, TD15 1DZ - 9am to 5pm (5 days a week) Byker Clifford Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 1EA - 9am to 5pm (5 days a week) Etal Lane Etal Lane, Westerhope, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 4AW - 9am to 5pm (5 days a week) Gateshead High West Street, Gateshead, NE8 1BN - 8am to 8pm (7 days a week) Hexham Shaftoe Leazes, Hexham, NE46 3DG - 9am to 5pm (5 days a week) Houghton-le-Spring Dairy Lane, Houghton le Spring, DH4 5BL - 10am to 2pm (5 days a week) Newcastle City Centre Forth Banks, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3PH - 8am to 8pm (7 days a week North Shields Upper Pearson Street, North Shields, NE30 1AB - 9am to 5pm (5 days a week) South Shields Millbank, Station Road, South Shields, NE33 1RR - 8am to 8pm (7 days a week) Southwick Church Bank, Southwick, Sunderland, SR5 2DU - 8am to– 8pm (7 days a week) Wallsend Middle Engine Lane, Wallsend, NE28 9NT - 8am to 8pm (7 days a week) Washington The Galleries, Washington, NE38 7RY - 9am to 5pm (5 days a week) Whickham Front Street, Whickham, NE16 4HE - 9am to – 5pm (5 days a week) For frequently asked questions please see below: Q1) How long will the surrender campaign last? A) Police forces are encouraged to run the campaign for two weeks between 13 and 26 November this year. Q2) What is the main purpose of the firearms surrender? A) To reduce the volume of guns in circulation in the UK which could get into the hands of criminals. A surrender could save lives. Q3) How effective are these campaigns for targeting real criminals? A) Several forces have held gun surrenders since the last national surrender three years ago and this has resulted in hundreds of firearms and rounds of ammunition being handed in. This can only be a good thing. It takes the weapons out of circulation and out of the hands of criminals. Q4) What items do you think will be handed in? A) In previous campaigns there have been various weapons handed in including antique guns, air weapons, rifles, shotguns. We hope many weapons will be surrendered across the UK. If you want to safely dispose of a firearm you can contact your local police force for advice by dialling 101. Q5) What is the difference between an amnesty and a gun surrender? A) An amnesty exists around a particular point in time when a firearm is surrendered to a lawful authority. Any possession or use of the gun prior to that may be considered for prosecution. The amnesty is not valid for the lifetime of the firearm. Police may still consider prosecution linked to any offences committed before the weapon is handed in during a surrender campaign. The message we want to get out is that anyone with a gun they don’t want or do not legally hold should give it up during the surrender campaign and not wait for the police to turn up at their address. Q6) What will happen to all the guns handed in? A) A proportion of the firearms will be destroyed but some may be retained by armourers if they are of significant interest, unusual, etc. Any guns which can be proved to be linked to crime will be kept as evidence and retained for any future court case proceedings. Q7) If gun crime levels have been falling why do we need surrender campaigns? A) It is true that gun crime levels generally have dropped in the last decade and compared to other countries our gun crime levels are low. However latest figures show gun crime is now on the rise and we cannot be complacent about the continued threat to our communities from criminals with access to guns. NABIS, working together with UK police forces, are determined to carry on suppressing the threat. Gun surrenders are one way to show the public how seriously we all take this issue. We want to get as many firearms out of circulation and off the streets as possible. One gun in the wrong hands can have catastrophic consequences.

A fire has completely destroyed two classrooms at a Bedlington school, with police treating it as arson.

Police are hunting a suspected arsonist, after four classrooms were destroyed in a Northumberland school. On Thursday, a fire broke out at St Benet Biscop Catholic Academy, in Bedlington, causing “substantial damage” to one classroom. Officers investigating the fire now say they suspect it may have been set deliberately. A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “The fire at St Benet Biscops High School, Ridge Terrace is being treated as arson. “It happened at approximately 1.30am on Thursday, October 26, when substantial damage was caused to one classroom and spread to a second.” Teachers say in total four classrooms were affected by the blaze.

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fire at a school in Bedlington. The fire at St Benet Biscops High School, Ridge Terrace is being treated as arson. It happened at approximately 1.30am on Thursday, October 26, when substantial damage was caused to one classroom and spread to a second. Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote reference 220 26/10/17.

Three people have been charged by police with a spate of burglaries just hours after officers received the call. In the early hours of Wednesday morning police received a number of reports of burglaries in the Greenside area. Three houses were targeted as well as a shed and a number of vehicles on the Rookwood Hill estate. One vehicle was also stolen. A number of items had been taken during the incidents including high value power tools. Officers from the Gateshead West Neighbourhood Policing Team launched an investigation and within hours they had made three arrests. Further enquiries into the incidents have been ongoing and property from the burglaries has been returned to their owner. In the early hours of the morning three men were charged with a string of burglary offences and today they have appeared in court. - Peter Robinson, 43, of Tweed Street, Chopwell, charged with four counts of burglary, three counts of theft from motor vehicle, theft of a motor vehicle, driving without insurance and driving without a licence. - Jonathan Gregory, 37, of No Fixed Abode, charged with four counts of burglary, three counts of theft from motor vehicle and theft of a motor vehicle. - Colin Urwin, 43, of Blyth Street, Chopwell, charged with four counts of burglary, three counts of theft from motor vehicle and theft of a motor vehicle. They all appeared before Bedlington Magistrates Court yesterday where they were released on bail to appear at Newcastle Crown Court. Anyone with information about the burglaries cans till contact police by calling 101 extension 64336 quoting log 332 24/10/17.

Tragic Bethany Fisher’s family are fighting to get the driver that killed her locked up for longer. The 19-year-old died when Jordan O’Donnell’s Ford Mondeo smashed into parked vehicles in Bedlington , with Bethany in the back seat. O’Donnell admitted causing death by dangerous driving and was jailed for six years at Newcastle Crown Court earlier this month. But after hearing the killer driver could spend as little as two-and-half years behind bars, Bethany’s family have vowed to fight for a longer sentence. Bethany’s mum, Isabel Easson, has now made an official request to appeal against the sentence in a bid to get O’Donnell’s prison term increased. And today the tragic teen’s aunt, Suzanne Scott, has told how the family do not believe they have yet got justice for Bethany.

Northumbria’s Mini Police has gone from strength to strength as the newest recruits have all now enrolled on to the scheme. Last month the force announced it was extending the popular scheme, aimed at year five primary school children, after its successful launch in April. Now, all of the new recruits have taken up their position as Mini Police and are playing their part in policing. The scheme gives primary school children the chance to work with their local police and learn about a host of topics to help keep them and their friends safe. Superintendent Sarah Pitt has been instrumental in setting up the scheme. She said: “I’m really proud we’ve been able to extend the Mini Police scheme, it has proved to be really popular and it’s been encouraging to see how many schools want to get involved and I hope our newest recruits enjoy their new role.” Unique to the Northumbria scheme the Mini Police is led by the force’s Volunteer Police Cadets. Supt Pitt added: “Our Volunteer Police Cadet scheme has ran for a number of years now and we’re very impressed by the young individuals who join the scheme as young teenagers and develop into confident young adults and wanted to give them the opportunity to develop their leadership skills even further and they play an instrumental part in delivering the Mini Police.” Recruitment for the Volunteer Police Cadet scheme is currently open and will run until the end of October. Visit Northumbria Police’s Career website for details on how to apply. There are no school children enrolled on the Mini Police scheme with the schools now involved including:- In Northumberland: Newborough School, Hexham Grange Primary School, Blyth Meadowdale Academy, Bedlington Chantry Middle, Morpeth In North Tyneside: St Columba’s RC Primary School, Wallsend Riverside Primary School, North Shields In Newcastle: Westgate Hill Primary School, Newcastle St Bedes Primary School, Newcastle Thomas Walling Academy, Newcastle In Gateshead: Falla Park Primary School, Felling Eslington School, Gateshead In South Tyneside: Laygate Community Primary, South Shields St Mary’s Primary School, Jarrow In Sunderland: Academy 360, Sunderland Easington Lane Primary School, Houghton Southwick Community Primary, Southwick View the full news release

A Bedlington resident has praised St Oswald’s Hospice for its family support before and after the death of his wife.

Bethany Fisher’s devastated parents bravely read out heartbreaking statements in court as the killer driver who took their “beautiful daughter” from them was locked up. Mum Isabel Easson found her daughter dying after Jordan O’Donnell lost control of his Ford Mondeo ST outside her house. O’Donnell was “on the face of it showing off” after offering to give 19-year-old birthday girl Bethany and her best friend, Meg McBurnie, a lift. As he reached estimated speeds of around 60mph in residential streets of Bedlington, Northumberland, the girls in the back seat asked him to stop it. But as the 20-year-old - who had only passed his test weeks earlier - carried out a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre on a bend, he lost control, smashing into parked cars, careering out of control and hitting a fence and wall. The noise of the crash woke Isabel and she went out into the street on Victoria Terrace to seek to help - only to be confronted with the horrific scene of her daughter fatally injured and Meg lying on the ground screaming in agony.

A teenager out celebrating her 19th birthday was killed outside her mum’s home by a danger driver who ignored her pleas to slow down then fled the scene and left her to die. Jordan O’Donnell was “on the face of it showing off” behind the wheel of a high-powered saloon after offering to give Bethany Fisher and her best friend, Meg McBurnie, a lift. As he reached estimated speeds of around 60mph in residential streets of Bedlington, Northumberland, the girls in the back seat asked him to stop it. But as the 20-year-old - who had only passed his test weeks earlier - carried out a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre on a bend, he lost control, smashing into parked cars, careering out of control and hitting a fence and wall. The noise of the crash woke Bethany’s mum, Isabel Easson, and she went out into the street on Victoria Terrace to seek to help - only to be confronted with the horrific scene of her daughter fatally injured and Meg lying on the ground screaming in agony. Despite the devastation he had caused, O’Donnell callously fled to his home nearby and calmly phoned police, lying that his turbo-charged Ford Mondeo ST had been stolen during a burglary at his home and requesting police attend.