Here are the most-read stories on the Courant website from throughout the week. 

1. Diversions in place ahead of A69 Hexham roundabout reopening

Diversions have been in place from this evening ahead of part of the A69 Bridge End project opening to traffic.

By 6am on Monday, September 13, vehicles will be able to use the new roundabout on the £30m scheme, which, National Highways say, will reduce congestion and improve journey times and safety for users.

2. Farming couple married at Chollerton church

A couple who ‘loved everything about their special day’ tied the knot after a Christmas Eve proposal.

Trudie, nee Sanderson, 31, and Paul Lishman, 34, wed on June 26 at Chollerton church before a marquee reception on their farm.

The couple met in 2016, with farmer Paul proposing at home on Christmas Eve 2019 – in what Trudie described a “huge surprise.”

3. Matfen Hall issues apology after mass wedding cancellations

A Northumberland wedding venue has said it "unreservedly apologises for the hurt caused" by its decision to unilaterally cancel its wedding ceremonies in 2022 and ask customers to re-book at double the price.

Couples due to get married at Matfen Hall, near Hexham, next year were left reeling this week after the venue dispatched identical letters to them all cancelling their booking - unless they’re happy to pay thousands of pounds more than was originally agreed.

4. Body found in search for missing Jarrow woman

A body has been found in the search for missing Jarrow pensioner Irena Treciokiene.

Irena, 73, was reported missing on Wednesday after she failed to return home following a visit to the Post Office.

A search was launched and a number of enquiries were carried out to locate Irena but sadly a body has now been found in the Church Bank area of Jarrow.

5. Dead fish are washed up on Colt Crag Reservoir

Thousands of dead fish can be seen in what remains of Colt Crag Reservoir.

Concerns have been raised about the condition of the reservoir, on the A68 near Barrasford, which is almost dry.

Colt Crag forms part of a series of reservoirs along the A68 which are connected by tunnels and aqueducts from Catcleugh Reservoir to Whittle Dene.

In pictures seen by the Courant, dead fish litter the shoreline.