10 YEARS AGO

HOMEBASE MOVES IN: It was announced DIY giant Homebase is poised to set up shop in Hexham. It was reported the national chain is the anchor tenant of a new multi-million pound mini retail park that was being planned for the disused goods yard at Hexham railway station.

HOUSESTEADS REVAMP: Northumberland National Park Authority gave the green light for a scheme which includes a new cafe, shop and welcome area at Housesteads near Haydon Bridge, one of Hadrian's Wall's most iconic forts.

BLACK CAT SIGHTING: After lying low for a number of years, Tynedale's famous black cat resurfaced in Slaley Forest. There had been reports of a panther-like creature prowling the district for at least 25 years.

25 YEARS AGO

WATER ASSURED: A £2 million project to guarantee fresh water supplies to Hexham well into the next century began, bringing with it at least five months of inevitable disruption to the town, it was reported. The work would link Whittle Dene Treatment Works in the Military Road north west of Horsley with Wydon Burn Reservoir and involve laying nearly two miles of pipes through the town centre.

PICK-UP CATNAP: During the bitterly cold weather before Christmas that year, Poose the cat climbed inside the engine compartment of owner Johnny Bullock's pick-up to nestle against the still warm engine. Mr Bullock, of Bellingham, did not know he was there - and the next morning, when he started the engine, the cat was still inside.

50 YEARS AGO

SUPPORT FOR RESERVOIR: Hexham Urban Council gave its backing to plans then un the offing for the £9 million Kielder reservoir ahead of a public inquiry then about to be held in Newcastle.

GOALS GALORE: Allendale's Hexham and North Tyne League soccer side pulled off a shock 5-0 victory over Corbridge.

NIGHTCLUB GO-AHEAD: Councillors gave the go-ahead to controversial plans to open a nightclub, namely Dontino's, in Hexham's Priestpopple.

75 YEARS AGO

INSTITUTION UNDER FIRE: Haltwhistle's workhouse was described as a disgrace at a meeting of its guardians committee.

SECRETARY QUITS: Hexham War Memorial Hospital's founding secretary, Michael Green (82), retired after 25 years there.

RUGBY RECORD: Tynedale rugby team member Ron Furlong set a new club record by scoring six tries during a game against Catterick.

PRUNING TALK: Humshaugh Gardens and Produce Association was given a talk on pruning by a Mr J. Wright, of Cambridge.

100 YEARS AGO

RAILWAY RUMPUS: The North British Railway Company resisted calls, backed by a petition signed by passengers, for the reinstatement of two services linking Redesmouth and Scots Gap that it had cut due to lack of demand. It would not be viable for it to restore these services as they were never busy enough for them to be worthwhile, it said.

CURTAINS FOR COW: A cow being unloaded at Corbridge railway station strayed on to a rail line there and was hit and "cut to pieces" by an express train bound for Newcastle.

DRESSING UP: A fancy-dress ball held at Hexham Institute attracted a turn-out of 130.

125 YEARS AGO

ROAD CRASH: Two women were injured when their trap overturned, after the horse pulling it took fright and bolted, near Dyehouse, Hexhamshire.

HAVING A BALL: A ball held at Wark Mechanics' Institute raised the princely sum of £6 for the new Newcastle infirmary fund then on the go.