Northumberland communities - Hexham

Gymnast takes on 100 mile ride for Tynedale club

2009-11-05T14:34:12Z

A ten-year-old Northumberland gymnast has shown her stamina after cycling 100 miles in just over two days to raise money for her club.

Kate Rogers, from Newton, near Corbridge, took on the coast to coast route after finding out her gymnastics club needed money for new equipment.

Her little legs lasted the distance and she did the 100 miles in two and a half days and two overnight stops at Gilsland and at home in Newton.

Incredibly she even found time and the energy to stop in Prudhoe WestWorld to attend her gymnastics class on the way.

She said: "It was good weather and easier than I expected. Climbing the big hill out of Greenhead was the worst moment.

"Once I got past Vindolanda it was all downhill, following the Tyne to the coast."

The idea came after her cousin completed the ride, and when she heard her club, Tynedale Gymnastics Club, needed to raise funds she thought it would be a good way to do it. She managed the ride in style and did not need the three days she had allowed for.

The Mowden Hall School pupil's efforts raised £600 for the club to buy necessary equipment such as mats, beams and vaults for their two gyms, in Prudhoe WestWorld and in the Wentworth Leisure Centre, Hexham.

Dad Paul, who accompanied her on the ride, said: "I knew I could do it but I wasn't sure if she could. But she also found time to go to her gym club because she was still full of energy.

"It's very good going - she's as fit as a flea and got stamina and determination. A lot of kids could do it but they'd lose interest."

Kate, who also takes part in Tynedale's gymnastics exchange with Mitry Mory in France, rode from Bowness-on-Solway to Tynemouth along the Hadrian Cycleway.

Club coach Gayle Crowell said: "This is a wonderful achievement by Kate.

"We are very grateful to her - all of our gymnasts will benefit from the new state-of-the-art equipment."

Now that Kate has got the cycling bug, she wants to attempt the 200-mile ride from Edinburgh to Tynemouth next year.

Kate Rogers presents her cheque to Tynedale Gymnastics Club

Meanwhile, she might have met some other keen fundraisers on the coast to coast route, as a group of pupils took on the challenge to raise money for the Calvert Trust in Kielder.

Ten lads from Newcastle School for Boys arrived at Calvert Trust Kielder after doing the ride in two days.

They visited the centre in Kielder Water and Forest Park before beginning to collect sponsorship to raise their target of £2,000. Supporting them in their trip were local companies Back Consulting Limited, Apex Radios and Purple Mountain.

Ubaydullah Iqbal, Dan Cupit, bottom: Mat Butler, Hazel Munro, Gordon Orr" src="http://prudhoe.journallive.co.uk/news/calvertrustride.jpg" width="200" height="170" class="mt-image-left" style="float: left; margin: 0 20px 20px 0;" />The money will go towards the work of Calvert Trust Kielder which enable people with disabilities to achieve their potential through outdoor activities.

Hazel Munro, a fundraiser at Calvert Trust Kielder said: "We are thrilled the school has committed themselves to supporting us and we are impressed with the nature of the challenge they have taken on."

Charles Drax, a teacher at Newcastle School for Boys said: "Visiting the trust meant that the boys could see how the money raised from the challenge will help lots of people less fortunate than themselves to do things they never dreamt possible. "

Pictured: Lads from Newcastle School for Boys who cycled the coast to coast route to raise money for Calvert Trust Kielder. Left to right: top: Charles Drax, Karen Smith, LewisMackie, Peter Cockerill (CE Calvert Trust Kielder), Henry Percy-Raine,
Ubaydullah Iqbal, Dan Cupit, bottom: Mat Butler, Hazel Munro, Gordon Orr

Affordable housing project in Hexham

2009-11-05T14:15:04Z

Families looking for a suitable home in a Hexham will welcome a proposed building scheme costing £1 million.

The affordable houses project in Springfield Road would see eight family houses built if the scheme receives approval.

The 12 bungalows that currently occupy the site would be demolished and the current occupants rehoused in either Milecastle's housing, the group behind the project, or in houses belonging to another social landlord.

Occupants are currently being informed and will receive a payment of £4,700 for the loss of their home, as well as compensation for the disruption of being re-housed.

Bill Tebay, managing director of Milecastle Housing, said: "We are really pleased to be bringing these plans forward on Hexham East.

"There is not much suitable family accommodation on the estate, so this development will help to tackle that situation."

The new houses will be a mixture of sizes - six with three bedrooms and two with four bedrooms.

The development is being funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the former Tynedale District Council's Enabling Fund, and Milecastle's own resources.

The new homes will be made available to rent via the countywide Northumberland Homefinder scheme.

Northumberland day care centres axed

2009-11-05T10:37:21Z

Controversial plans to axe seven cherished day centres in Northumberland were rubber-stamped last night.

Northumberland County Council voted to close the facilities used as meeting places by elderly and disabled people at Amble, Blyth, Bedlington, Haltwhistle, Hexham, Ponteland and Prudhoe.

In a named poll at its meeting at Morpeth's County Hall, the council voted 46 to 11 in favour of proposals to close its centres, which are used by around 300 people every week.

The authority says the facilities are under-used and it is closing them to cut costs and is instead to offer users and the many others who need assistance personalised budgets to spend on their preferred method of care.

It says anyone who wants to continue receiving traditional, building-based day care will be able to do so via other providers - voluntary and independent agencies.

The council has came up with a range of alternative provision in each of the affected areas. Hundreds of people had signed petitions calling for the seven centres to be saved, claiming they offer elderly users a vital chance to meet friends and give relatives an important break from looking after them.

The meeting was attended by a band of centre users, carers and union leaders who vented their anger at councillors after the vote was taken. Thomas Mosey, 80, of Newcastle Road, Newsham, Blyth, has used the town's Lyndon House site for around five years, having previously been moved out of its Tynedale House by the council.

He branded the decision "disgusting", "absolute shameless" and "shocking". The council had been due to take a decision on the centres at its meeting in September, but opted to defer after Conservative and Labour opposition councillors joined forces in a bid to drum up interest from potential providers in running the sites in Amble, Bedlington and Blyth.

But last night, the Labour group hit out at the Tories for now backing the closures and for tabling an amendment with the Lib Dems which it claimed showed little change to the proposals put forward in September.

Labour members asked why the council could not offer a mix of centres and alternative care. They also accused the Lib Dems of using the personalised budgets as "a smokescreen" which allows them to axe day centres.

Coun Deirdre Campbell said: "The public are not silly. Personalised budgets weren't an excuse to close the homes.

"I just can not believe you are back in here today and you are still intent on taking away a brilliant service that is used by the elderly.

"I would say to people - do not get old the Lib Dems will crucify you.

"I think you have declared war on the elderly. The one thing you have not got to do in Northumberland is get old."

The Lib Dems had called on the council to make the decision to end uncertainty for centre users.

Coun Simon Reed said: "We have to modernise and transform our service. We have to give people more choice."

His party also stated that no centres will be closed until alternate provision has been arranged for users.

Remembrance Day events in Hexham

2009-11-05T09:56:40Z

Thousands across the North East will wear their poppies with pride this weekend as sombre events are held to mark Remembrance Day.

In Hexham, soldiers from 39 Regiment Royal Artillery will be marching through the town from 10.15am, as they celebrate their Freedom of the Town.

Some 100 soldiers will make up the march in addition to servicemen from the Royal Navy and TA, and the parade will be followed by a memorial at Fusilier Gate and a service at Hexham Abbey.

Full details of Remembrance Day events around the region »

WWI records shed light on Gunnerton serviceman

2009-11-05T09:45:37Z

Relatives of First World War servicemen can now find out more about their heroic ancestors.

The Army service records of more than two million British soldiers who served during the "war to end all wars" have been published online for the first time.

A variety of information concerning all aspects of the army careers of those who completed their duty or were killed in action include the soldier's name, date and place of birth, address, next-of-kin, former occupation, marital status and medical history.

Data on John Hedley, from Gunnerton, Barrasford, Northumberland, is just one set of thousands of records now available (pictured below).

He was 19 years and one month old when he enlisted with the 4th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers on December 20, 1915, as a sapper in Hexham.

Records amazingly give details including the former labourer's height - 5ft 3in - and whether Mr Hedley had any distinctive marks, which he didn't.

Other information revealed Mr Hedley lost three days' pay after he was caught spitting on the floor of his billet, in January 11, 1917 in Herne Bay, in Kent. And the unmarried soldier later served with the 323rd Quarrying Company of Royal Engineers.

He was discharged in April 28, 1918, and received an advance of his pension of £2, which was sent to his home address.

Ancestry.co.uk said full military careers from 1914 to 1920 were included in the collection.

Website content director Dan Jones said: "The service records will provide millions of people with information to help them better understand what their heroic ancestors were like as soldiers.

"The records include information such as their performance in battle, their health and details of their general appearance."

William Spencer, military records specialist at The National Archives, said: "It is fitting that the digitisation of surviving First World War soldiers' records of service should be completed at this time.

"With Harry Patch's death last July, any direct living connection to these records has finally been severed and marks the passing of this significant period in British military activity into history. Digitising these records makes them accessible to people around the world, many of whom had ancestors who served in the "war to end all wars", and who will now be able to discover so much more about them."

The records can be found by logging on to www.ancestry.co.uk

The form of John Hedley who was 19 year when he enlisted in the Northumberland Fusiliers

Firework display in Hexham

2009-11-04T13:42:24Z

An organised firework display will take place in Hexham this Saturday.

The free event, organised by Hexham Round Table, is at the Sele behind Hexham Abbey, with the lighting of the bonfire around 6.30pm and the fireworks beginning at 7pm (timings dependent on the weather)..

Entertainment will include a night flight kite display by Stanegate Flyers beforehand, along with music by the Sunshine Panners of Haydon Bridge on the Park Bandstand and samba drummers from the Queen Elizabeth High School.

Overflow car parking will be at Hexham Auction Mart and Tyne Green. People are recommended to arrive early to avoid congestion and possible disappointment.

Food and refreshments will be available from stalls operated on the Sele by local charities.

It is asked that those attending don't bring sparklers for safety reasons.

Remember when attending a fireworks display always be careful. Follow instructions given by the organisers, stay well back from fireworks and bonfires, dress warmly and keep children under close supervision.

More details and a map »

More organised firework displays around the region »

Newbrough pupils come up with winning menu

2009-11-03T14:55:50Z

Young chefs are taking the lead in their school kitchen.

Pupils at Newbrough First School in Hexham have come up with a winning menu which is set to be served up in schools across Northumberland on November 11.

Youngsters across the county were asked to come up with healthy dishes as part of the National School Meals Week.

The prize menu was Mediterranean pasta with chicken and bacon, followed by Eve's Pudding for dessert.

Coun Lesley Rickerby, Northumberland County Council's executive member for children's services, said: "It has been a pleasure looking through the various menus and I'm amazed at the amount of nutritious recipes that have been put forward."

Stalemate with league leaders

2009-11-03T10:14:43Z

Hexham 0, Amble 0

Top of the table Amble were the visitors to Hexham in this Northern Alliance Division Two fixture and the weather and pitch conditions were perfect. Amble are a much improved side from last season so it was a shock when they were heavily beaten last weekend by Newcastle BT which capitalised on a much weakened Amble side.

They were back to full strength for this match and were out to break Hexham's unbeaten home record for this season. But Hexham also were much stronger than last week when some of the flu victims were available for selection.

Hexham kicked off with the low autumn sun at their backs and immediately put Amble on the back foot, strikers Phillips and McNamee were constantly putting the Amble defence under pressure with wide men Dobson and Parkinson providing the ammunition.

Amble are made of sterner stuff this season and the rear guard of Wayne Simpson and David Shephard were secure and looked comfortable.

Any high ball into the box was collected by keeper Stu Shanks so Hexham would have to change their plan if the breakthrough was to come. The first half was mainly a battle of the two midfields with very few chances for either side.

For Amble their best effort was a very dangerous cross just in front of the Hexham keeper Sean Heads who had to stay on his line but captain Gavin Cox was on hand to see the ball out to safety but any connection would have spelt trouble for Hexham.

For Hexham Scott Coates had the best two efforts from free kicks before Luke Parkinson had the ball in the net after he ran on to a through ball and gave the keeper no chance only for his celebrations to be cut short by the linesman's flag. It could only have been someone else infringing as Luke ran past the central defender beating him for speed on the turn.

The break came with the scores level with everything to play for in the second half, either team did not make any changes as both sides were happy with the first forty five minutes.

The second half was much like the first with a lot of midfield battles and not many chances going either way. Both defences were on top with Cox and Hacking giving Sean Heads a quiet afternoon between the sticks and left full back Steven Coates getting forward as much as possible.

The other full back Scott Robson possibly had the best two efforts one from a corner when his header only just went wide and a shot late on when he was played in by Darren Dobson. Apart from those chances Hexham were restricted to a looping header from Neil Tiffin and another good effort from Luke Parkinson.

For the visitors Shaun Jobson impressed and along with Tom Phillips won the respective man of the match awards. Hexham tried their best to open up Amble late on with Duncan Scott and Neil Macdonald making an appearance but neither had much time to change the outcome.

The match official was Wayne Cartmel who had the added pressure of being assessed for possible promotion in the refereeing world and over the ninety minutes he impressed with his decision making and control of the game.

During the match he issued five yellow cards, one to Hexham and four to Amble but these were all in the closing moments as frustrations and nerves were running high as no one wanted to lose the match so close to full time.

But to be fair to him no one could complain at his handling of the game and both sides had to be happy with a share of the points, though Hexham had the better of the game and should have maybe taken more than one point.

Thanks to Topsigns for sponsoring the match which saw Hexham retain their unbeaten home record and the point that Amble took home ensured that they stopped at the top of the table as second placed Wideopen lost at home to Wallsend Town.

Next week its NFA Minor Cup action for Hexham as they travel to Walker Central Reserves for a second round tie.

Beaumont Hotel hosts spooky Halloween wedding

2009-11-01T17:59:35Z

TILL death do us part took on a whole new meaning for this Halloween wedding couple.

By day, Joanne Williams was a traditional bride in a white dress tying the knot with suited and booted partner David Copeland. By night, the lovebirds became a witch and a vampire, surrounded by a host of ghoulish guests.

The Beaumont Hotel in Hexham was transformed last night into a black, purple and orange fantasy land for the couple's themed wedding reception to mark Halloween.

As a pagan, it is the most important day of the year for Joanne, 32, and she could not think of a better date to get married.

But David, 33, does not share her religious beliefs, and so they settled on a ceremony in a registrar's office followed by the pagan-style reception.

Guests also swapped their frocks and suits for fancy dress, and joined in the fun by dipping into a cauldron to recover their wedding favours.

Even Joanne and David's four-year-old son Arron got involved, by dressing up as a skeleton.

Joanne said: "Hallowe'en is a very, very special day to me. It's like New Year's Eve, so I always wanted that date.

"I think people were quite surprised when the invitations went out, because they were all black. It was really different. But they all know I'm a bit crazy so it's not a shock to them!"

Joanne's Taffeta dress was made in the style of a medieval witch by an online company.
David's ornate vampire's waistcoat was hand-crafted specially to match her outfit.

Joanne, who works for Action for Employment, said: "My parents are quite traditional so they're not dressing.

"But David's mum has promised to dress up, although she hasn't told us what it is.

"Most of the guests are dressing up. We have got someone coming as Cruella de Ville, and we've got pixies, fairies and monsters."

Over-21s only ruling levied on Fentimans

2009-10-31T17:44:58Z

A US state has banned the sale of a soft drink made in the North East to anyone who not yet turned 21.

Officials in Maine have re-classified Fentimans Victorian Lemonade as "imitation liquor", with the State Attorney General saying it is too strong because of the trace alcohol - less than 0.5% - contained in the drink.

Earlier this week, The Journal told how a storm had blown up over the Hexham-based company's drink, after the alcohol content on its label was brought to the attention of a high school principal by one of his pupils.

Under state law, "imitation liquor" means any product containing less than half of 1% alcohol by volume which appears to imitate by appearance, taste and smell liquor.

But Fentimans, which is based in Hexham, Northumberland, is challenging a decision that Eldon Robson, managing director and master brewer, feels is an alarming over-reaction.

He said: "People are being silly about the whole thing. It's absolutely ridiculous and has been blown out of all proportion."

Mr Robson is the great grandson of Thomas Fentiman who founded the firm in Gateshead in 1905, when he was given a recipe for ginger beer.

The company closed in the mid-1960s, but Mr Robson re-established the business in 1988 using traditional methods to botanically brew a range of soft drinks. He said: "We sometimes complain about the United Kingdom being a nanny state, with rulings about having enhanced criminal records bureau disclosures to pick your children up from the playground, so we are certainly not immune to this sort of official over-reaction.

"However, my feeling is that at Fentimans we take responsible drinking very seriously and I feel that we are being punished out of ignorance.

"I have a particular objection to the re-classification of our drinks as 'imitation liquor'. Our strapline is 'faithful to the originals' and Fentimans does not imitate anything."

Mr Robson added: "According to the Licensing Act of 1990, Chapter 21, a product containing not more than 0.5% of alcohol can be sold and merchandised as a soft drink. All Fentimans products comply with these regulations."

Fentimans products average approximately 0.3% of alcohol while a pint of beer is on average 4% ABV.

"To match this, a consumer would typically have to drink 28 bottles of Fentimans," he said. "This is physically impossible and the body's natural metabolism would rid the body of alcohol anyway in the time it took to do this.

"All food flavours contain ethanol as a solvent, so there is at varying degrees a small amount of trace alcohol in most food products, including bread and fruit juices. We need to have a well informed and intelligent discussion about this, and I would welcome the opportunity to do so with the official bodies responsible.

"This is my family business, which has been going for over 100 years and I feel very strongly that the premium quality and exceptional provenance of our drinks are being seriously undermined."

The debate has also fuelled interest in the company's products with inquiries flooding in from people from more than 30 US states and from Canada asking where they can buy it.

And a distributor from Mexico is among the latest to inquire about selling Fentimans in their country.

Simply Food and Drink sign appeal rejected

2009-10-30T17:25:43Z

PLANS to put up illuminated advertising signs on a store in a conservation area have been rejected by a Government planning inspector.

The application by Simply Food and Drink in Priestpopple, Hexham was rejected by Tynedale Council earlier this year.

Dismissing the firm's appeal against the decision, planning inspector Graham Snowdon said the signs would be incongruous features in a sensitive area.

Hexham autism group receives MPs' backing

2009-10-29T09:00:00Z

A health group in Northumberland has received the backing of the county's MPs as it campaigns for greater help for its members.

The Hexham branch of the National Autistic Society travelled to London to take part in the "Don't Write Me Off" campaign, which aims to make things easier for those with autism when applying for benefits.

Stuart Ferrol, 38, from Hexham, went on behalf of the group and attended the high-profile launch alongside MPs in the Strangers' dining room.

He said: "I couldn't believe the reception we got. It was very exciting - absolutely jam-packed and with a lot of positivity about the campaign.

"I was, until recently, on incapacity benefit and I originally had to appeal to get that. I found it very difficult and distressing to wade through all the questionnaires, medicals and criteria, so I can't imagine what it would be like for someone who has communication and learning difficulties.

"The new ESA benefit, I believe, has a telephone-only method of claiming and that call can take up to 40 minutes, which would be an ordeal for someone with autism."

The NAS asked MPs to come forward and show their support, and mark their constituency on a map to show they are behind the campaign.

Although the campaign map had no marks from Northumberland, some simply had not heard about it or were unable to go, and Mr Ferrol's message was met with interest by the county's MPs.

MP for Hexham Peter Atkinson told Journal Extra: "I confess that I had never considered this matter before and it appears to be a real problem for certain people, particularly as the world relies more on the internet and phones that face-to-face meetings.

"I would be interested in hearing more about the case they're making and the problems that they face."

Blyth Valley MP Ronnie Campbell said: "My advice for the Hexham branch is to get on to the minister concerned and get him to meet them. We don't have any power."

MP for Berwick Sir Alan Beith has received more than a dozen letters from Northumbrians asking him to get behind the campaign. He said: "I believe it has the potential to have a significant impact on the lives of people with autism and their families."

Wansbeck MP Denis Murphy said he had been involved with trying to create an adult autism centre in the area and said: "I fully support the campaign - I wish them well and will do whatever I can."

The NAS says the benefits system is currently unsuitable for autism sufferers and does not meet their needs. For instance, some sufferers do not show many obvious outward symptoms, which does not fit in with the criteria used to decide whether they are fit to work.

Year of success for Tyne Valley triathlon club

2009-10-28T14:05:33Z

It has been quite a year for One Life Racing, the Tyne Valley-based triathlon and multisports club.

Newly-opened state-of-the- art training facilities at Wentworth Leisure in Hexham have enabled club officials to accommodate the ever-growing demand for new memberships, with numbers rising to more than 200 during 2009.

One Life athletes have also been enjoying remarkable success on a regional, national as well as international level, with four senior members being crowned national champions in their respective age groups.

Two of the team were selected to represent Great Britain at the European Championships in Holland.

Chairman Alan Copland won a bronze medal in his age group by finishing in 13th place overall, and Barry Jameson won a gold medal in his age group by taking 94th overall.

There was also strong One Life representation at the World Championships in the Gold Coast, Australia.

However, it is the development of their junior triathletes which has put One Life on the map.

This year, One Life junior athletes known as Tristars - ranging in age from eight to 16 - have enjoyed remarkable success in key events across the North East.

These races have included aquathlons involving the swim and run disciplines as well as full triathlons requiring participants to swim, cycle and run, with the swim often in in open water.

One Life junior competitors hauled an astonishing 15 gold, 17 silver and 16 bronze medals across the season, with Charlie Harris-Pratt (13-14 age group) and Jake Duffy (nine-10 age group) remaining unbeaten all season.

Other notable performances were recorded by Jill Dickinson and Rhianna Stoves (nine-10 age group), who both claimed gold during an eventful and highly- successful season.

It is the award-winning One Life Junior Triathlon, held in Haltwhistle during August, which is of particular significance and a great source of pride for a club which has only been in existence for a short time.

Copland said: "We are a relatively new club compared to many in the region.

"With the development of our junior section and the Haltwhistle Junior Triathlon we have set the benchmark for other clubs to follow.

"We have continued to demonstrate that with the right organisation, enthusiastic coaching and real desire, any established triathlon club can support and develop their juniors by putting on first-class events."

One Life Racing is enjoying the on-going support of local businesses.

Corbridge-based Activ Cycles have donated a fully- equipped junior racing bike for use by club members and those juniors looking to be invovled in triathlon for the first time.

Mark Nye, owner of Activ Cycles and himself a keen cyclist and triathlete, said: "Triathlon can look somewhat daunting and potentially expensive at first.

"Probably the biggest financial outlay will be the bike, so we thought it made sense for the club to have a fully-serviced bike on hand for prospective members to use before they commit fully to the sport."

One Life is one of 18 triathlon clubs across the North East, with a collective membership of more than 1,000.

Triathlon is a sport which has been growing year on year by more than 10% since 2001, with more than 700 races having taken place in the UK this year alone.

Head coach Tim Wylie said: "These are exciting times, not only for our own club but for triathlon generally.

"I coach people of all abilities, with some of our juniors showing great potential, but many of our athletes are part of the team for the fitness and lifestyle gains it can offer."

Drink brewed at Fentimans sparks a spirited debate

2009-10-28T08:07:56Z

Victorian lemonade brewed in Northumberland is at the centre of an underage drinking row in America.

A spirited debate is raging about the soft drink after a teen at a school in Maine became concerned that it contained alcohol.

The boy handed it to his school principal who contacted the police and set in motion a series of complaints from substance abuse officials, pictured Eldon Robson, Fentimans managing director and master brewer.

The drink is made by one of the North East's best-known soft drinks firms, Fentimans in Hexham, and contains 0.5% alcohol.

Officials of the Aroostock Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition and the Maine Alliance to Prevent Substance Abuse argue that the lemonade should not be sold to anyone under the age of 21 and should be reclassified as "imitation liquor".

But Eldon Robson, Fentimans managing director and master brewer, is not unduly concerned by the controversy. He said: "I think it's quite amusing, really.

"Maine is of course where our Puritanical forefathers went because Britain was not strict enough and it has been said that Puritans are people who are always worried that someone, somewhere might be having fun.

"However, underage drinking is a serious matter and this issue does need to be clarified.

In the past 25 years, we have only had a handful of polite enquiries about whether our drinks are suitable for children and all of these people have been quite satisfied when we explain that they are legally classified as soft drinks."

An article on the alcohol row first appeared in the local paper in Houlton and was then picked up by The Bangor Daily News, stirring up a heated online debate across the United States on whether children can drink Fentimans lemonade. Maine's liquor licensing officials and the state Attorney General's office have been contacted in order to define who can sell and purchase Fentimans soft drinks and whether they fall into the category of "imitation liquor", which cannot be sold or consumed by minors under 21 in Maine.

Under state law, "imitation liquor" means any product containing less than half of 1% alcohol by volume which appears to imitate by appearance, taste and smell liquor. Clare Desrosiers, project for the ASAP coalition, said the product contains alcohol and should not be sold to minors. "To me, it is sold in what looks like a liquor bottle," she said.

The drink was handed in by the principal of Houlton High School Martin Bouchard after he read there could be alcohol in the soda.

He said the contacted the police because he was not sure about the law regarding the sale of such a beverage.

"The student saw the label as he was drinking it and realised that there was some alcohol in it," he said. "The student did not want to get in trouble and brought it to a teacher.

"Less than half of the bottle was gone. There was no intent on the student's part to break any school rules or laws. This was just a harmless incident." Mr Robson is the great grandson of Thomas Fentiman who founded the firm in Gateshead in 1905 when he was given a recipe for ginger beer in exchange for an unpaid loan.

He added: "Our drinks do not look alcoholic, just quite distinctive and traditional, so the whole 'imitation liquor' argument seems patently ridiculous."

The online publicity has fuelled interest in the soft drink with enquiries flooding in from people from more than 30 states and from Canada asking where they can buy it.

"I am pleased to see that the public in the States has been vociferous in their online comments, pointing out that everyday items like mouthwash, orange juice and even chewing gum contain trace alcohol," said Mr Robson.

"As one commentator suggested, it would mean drinking literally gallons of any of our drinks to gain the same effect as half a pint of beer."

Flu could not prevent away victory

2009-10-26T23:15:50Z

Cullercoates CP 1, Hexham 3

As normal this season injuries play a part in team selection for Hexham but on the morning of the match no fewer than six players had cause to ring manager Terry Graham to withdraw from the squad. The main culprit was the flu bug which has hit the region so this was to be the severest test of the squad so far. Eleven fit players took the field against League new Boys Cullercoats Custom Planet.

Thomas North took the role of lone sub but in normal circumstances should not have been named in the squad as he has a reoccurring knee problem that will only be cured with rest but volunteered in case any other injury problem came to the surface.

This was still a strong side on display and they started much the stronger with the midfield dominant and strikers Dobson and Phillips a constant threat. During the first quarter of the game Hexham had Cullercoats pushed further and further back and home keeper Darren Houghton was a very busy man.

The rain was driving down the field in Hexham's favour but the back line of Cullercoats held firm and to the home side's credit started to win more of the ball and ask some questions themselves.

From the midway point in the first half they took control and Hexham became sloppy and gave the ball away to many times in dangerous areas. The match had been turned completely on its head. Cullercoats looked the more dangerous and it was no surprise when they took the lead on thirty five minutes.

Hexham were under no pressure when they tried to play the ball out of defence and when they lost it they were wide open and Kieron Fitzpatrick capitalised beating Heads with a rasping drive.

This was just what they deserved and the wakeup call was truly heard. Directly from the kick off the ball was spread out to the wing and Darren Dobson controlled well and headed for the byline.

When he got there he drove a low hard cross into the path of Luke Parkinson who fired the ball into the roof of the net from close range. Hexham had only been behind for less than sixty seconds, Cullercoats must be kicking themselves for the lack of concentration so soon after going in front.

Up till the half time whistle Hexham were back in control with Scott Coates always a threat and Tom Phillips up front causing problems with his nonstop running against two very tall and competent central defenders.

The second half began as the first finished with Hexham on top. The goal had made such a difference to the team and within moments they almost took the lead. Luke Parkinson timed his run to perfection to beat the offside trap to get one on one with the home keeper but he was thwarted by a fine save.

This was the theme for the next period of the game with Tom Phillips constantly running at the home defence and Houghton pulling off another two fine saves at the feet of Parkinson. But on the third occasion Luke recovered his composure to pick up the rebound and put Hexham in front for the first time in the game.

The back four for Hexham were in control as Cullercoats strived to get back on level terms shutting down any danger and with fifteen minutes to go Scott Coates made the game safe. Hexham were awarded a free kick when Scott Robson was wrestled to the ground about five yards outside the area, from the resulting free kick Scott Coates fired low and hard which slipped under the keeper's body and into the goal.

It was an excellent strike from Coates which zipped off the greasy surface to beat Houghton who had been in great form all day. With the point from Hexham's first win on the road this season in the bag they eased off a little and allowed Cullercoats to play a bigger part in the closing moments.

A couple of dangerous corners and a low shot which Heads turned around the left hand post was the response but at the final whistle Hexham were comfortable winners and this result puts them seventh in the table.

The Man of the Match was Tom Phillips who got through a tremendous amount of work but a goal to reward his efforts was not to be. The manager must hope the flu bug has gone by the weekend when Topsigns are match sponsors and league leaders Amble come to the Wentworth Leisure Centre for a 2.30 ko.