We dip into the Journal's archives to get into the festive spirit with some Christmas images from Northumberland's recent past.
Send your seasonal images of the county to northumberland@ncjmedia.co.uk if you would like to share them on our community sites.
The story of a man who went from the coalface of a Northumberland pit to running his own mine in the United States has been unraveled. Tommy Thompson left his home in Cramlington and took a ship to the USA in 1910.
He became the owner of a coal mine, ran a property and loan business, and become a banker.
Tommy Thompson in 1929
His story came to light when 35-year-old health service worker Martin Crane decided to investigate the life of his successful "American uncle".
Cramlington was one of the 1960s new towns, but The Journal's photographic archives show how its history goes back way beyond that.
The first records of the village date from the 12th century, though it remained small until the development of the new town from 1964.
Cramlington was the home of the No 36 Home Defence Squadron during the First World War and subsequently became an important base for military planes and airships.
The Journal's photographic archives offer a fascinating collection of pictures from some of Northumberland's set-piece annual events.
The Northumberland Miners' Picnic at Bedlington is one such event, with hundreds of pictures in our files.
Many show the bands and mine banners that were the mainstay of an event that at its height - when mining was one of the main industries in south east Northumberland - attracted thousands of spectators.
A Cramlington school is launching an appeal to get the whole community involved in its centenary celebrations.
East Hartford Special School turns 100 this year and the headteacher is keen to hear from ex-pupils, teachers, governors and residents from the surrounding village.
Teacher Lorna Moore with pupils at East Hartford Special School
Hugh Steele is appealing to anyone with a connection to the school to come forward with anecdotes, memories and old photographs.
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