Bid to block wind farm.

A special action group has been formed in a bid to block controversial plans for a multi-million pound wind farm development west of Berwick.

The firm of Your Energy Ltd is to apply to Berwick Borough Council next month for permission to erect 14 turbines, each over 100 metres in height, on 300 acres of land between Felkington and Shoresdean, near Ancroft. Opponents claim it would have a detrimental effect on the landscape and are suggesting that, if the development is to go ahead, it should be scaled down.

Plea on attack

A PIZZA shop owner is in a critical condition after being assaulted in a row over payment for a meal.

Two men have been arrested in connection with the attack at 7.15pm on Thursday on the 46-year-old Iranian man, who was taken to Sunderland Royal Infirmary suffering serious head injuries. Anyone who witnessed the attack or who has information should contact police on [phone], ext 66126.

Club charged

OWNERS of the Foundation nightclub in Newcastle have been summoned to appear before Gateshead magistrates on Tuesday to answer charges of illegal fly-posting. The club's owners face a total of 53 separate charges.

Crash appeal

POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a seven-car crash on the A19 at 7.15pm on Thursday. The accident, which happened on the north-bound lane just before the Killingworth turn-off, closed the road for two hours. One man was taken to North Tyneside General Hospital with broken ribs. Ring motor patrols on [phone].

Record push

RICHARD Hanson, 27, from Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland, will attempt to set a world record by doing 1,500 one-arm press-ups in one hour. The challenge will take place on Saturday, November 13, at New Form Health and Fitness in Milburn Road, Ashington, where Richard is a fitness instructor.

Sage story

THE full story behind the building of The Sage Gateshead will be revealed at a public lecture at Newcastle University next week. John Devlin, director of development and enterprise for Gateshead Council, has been invited to deliver this year's prestigious RW Mann lecture as part of the university's programme of free public lectures. Mr Devlin has overseen almost every aspect of the development of the pounds 70m project. The lecture will be given in the Curtis Auditorium on Thursday at 5.30pm.