The French national football team received a warm welcome from pupils at Haydon Bridge high school, which was their training base during the 1996 European championships. 10 years ago Money talks: Headteachers from the district’s four high schools were set to hold meetings with education secretary Michael Gove, calling for more investment in their school buildings. Speedy action: A police swoop at Otterburn snared almost a dozen motorists driving at over twice the legal speed limit. Chicken thieves: Callous thieves left children at Hexham’s Sele First School distraught after stealing their beloved classroom hens from their cages. 25 years ago Doctor rethink: Family doctors in Haltwhistle and Haydon Bridge were pulling out of a controversial plan to cancel night calls to patients.