The North today.

Northumberland: County councillors Lynn Camsell, Ivan Hayes, John Whiteman and Jim Wright have graduated from the University of Northumbria with certificates in leadership and local government and now plan to continue their studies with a BA in politics. The council's link-up with the university to provide leadership training for members has been recognised in national awards for excellence.

BERWICK: The 2004 Register of Electors for the Borough of Berwick-upon-Tweed was published on Monday December 1. The full Register of Electors is available for inspection at the Council Offices, and the edited Register of Electors is available for inspection at Berwick, Seahouses and Wooler libraries.

HARTLEPOOL: Community worker Morris Nelson has been honoured for his dedicated work in the Hartlepool neighbourhood. Mr Nelson's efforts were recognised by members of Communities Acting Together, an organisation representing several local residents' associations. Mr Nelson, a member of the Dyke House Residents' Association, was presented with a silver salver and a pen on Monday.

SUNDERLAND: A food product contaminated with a banned food dye has been discovered by Environmental Health Officers in Sunderland. The Sudan I chemical dye is found in chilli powder. When the National Food Standard agency raised the alert over the carcinogenic chemical, officers in the city went on a mission to track down the danger foods.