A history group is one step closer to achieving its target of publishing a landmark book and creating a website for those interested in the past of Northumberland.

Chairman and Treasurer Richard McDonald, of the Coanwood Featherstone Lambley History Group, has been overwhelmed with the interest of the local history group on Facebook, which only had six members before lockdown but now has over 1,000.

With more interest in the group, Richard and other members of the group has ambitious plans to write a local landmark group and for more walk & tours but with a price tag of  £10,000 to groups.

Recently the group received a cheque for £400 from businessman and Haltwhistle Cllr Terry Christie, which means they are one step closer to their goal for the group.

"I am very grateful for the cheque by Terry, it will go towards the book which will help highlight amazing landmarks of Northumberland such as the Quakerhouse in Coanwood," Richard said.

"Terry generously donated £400 to our group plus organised the Freemasons to donate £100, so overall we got £500 from his efforts.

"With this donation, it has taken us well on the way to our £10,000 target for writing a history book, developing a website, holding talks and walks, and buying equipment."

As well as the donations, Richard is also thankful for members keeping the group alive with its interest.

Richard said:"It is amazing that we have expanded the group rapidly in the last 2 years through popular demand and we only started from six members.

"We now have 23 sponsors and 223 paid-up members in our History group with over 1000 Facebook followers.

"More recently, we had 85 people attend our first talk since Covid started, on Featherstone POW Camp 18 last week at the Featherstone Village Hall, the busiest its been for years.

"The history group has proven that many are interested in the history of Northumberland and I think the book and website will be a success."