WE looked back through our archives to find out what made headline news up to 150 years ago.

10 years ago

JAW DROP: A dancer from Hexham who made Simon Cowell's jaw drop hoped to catch the eye of the nation. Karla Watt, 23, was one-eighth of the Crazy Rouge dance group which had judges on ITV hit talent show Britain's Got Talent bowled over with their modern twist on burlesque dancing. Simon Cowell and David Walliams were both blown over by the show and Amanda Holden described the group as "absolutely gorgeous".

FLATS APPROVED: Despite strong protests from its own conservation officer, Hexham Civic Society, and petitions bearing more than 300 names, plans to convert the former Hexham swimming pool to a seven-storey block of luxury flats for the elderly were approved. The multi-million pound McCarthy & Stone project was defended by George Martin, who spoke on behalf of the developer. He said the 45 flats were much-needed in Hexham and would free up 45 under-occupied properties in the area and bring them back into family use.

25 years ago

MYSTERY WINDFALL: An anonymous donation of £200,000 from a Tynedale family boosted several South Tyne Valley charities. The donors specified individuals and charities in Haltwhistle, Bardon Mill, Haydon Bridge and surrounding areas should benefit from the investment of the gift - bringing in about £10,000 a year. 

Hexham Courant: Whitley Chapel YFC's pantomime Aladdin in Hexham in 1999 Whitley Chapel YFC's pantomime Aladdin in Hexham in 1999 (Image: Newsquest)

LOTTERY PRIZE: A Redesdale man became Tynedale's biggest-ever winner on the National Lottery by scooping more than £200,000. The father-of-two, who asked not to be named, matched five balls and the bonus ball in the Saturday night draw with a £1 lucky dip ticket. The district's two other major winners came from Greenhaugh and Falstone, both receiving approximately £134,000. 

BUY-OUT: One of Prudhoe's biggest employers was bought out by an American corporation. The Pointing food dye factory was bought by Universal Foods Corporation. 

NEW CHARITY STORE: The charity Age Concern was looking to open what would be Hexham's ninth charity shop, to be run by volunteers with two paid staff. It was planning to open in what was then home to stationer's firm T & G Allan's Hexham branch.  

50 years ago

TOWER REPAIRS: Work to repair the Vicar's Pele Tower in Corbridge began.

ROYAL HONOUR: Four-year-old Heather Johnson was given the honour of presenting a bouquet of flowers to the Queen on her forthcoming visit to Hexham in July.

TYNEDALE MAGPIES: Newcastle United supporters in Tynedale were waiting in anticipation for the following week's FA Cup final at Wembley, where the Magpies would meet Liverpool. 

75 years ago

SPIRIT OF OLD TIMES: Members of the English folk dance and song society brought a fantastic display of traditional music and dance in their first post-war festival in Hexham.  

MEMORIAL UNVEILED: A memorial was unveiled at Tynedale Rugby in memory of the members of the club who died in the Second World War.

100 years ago

BALL ATTENDED: A children's ball held at the Queen's ballroom, Hexham, was attended by more than 300 children.

COWS BURNED: In a fire in Hexhamshire three cows were burned to death and the byre where they were kept was destroyed.

FRIENDLY MATCH: In a friendly cricket match Tynedale Rugby Club lost to Hexham Cricket Club by 122 runs.

125 years ago

NEW CLUB: Hexham Wanderers Cricket Club was formed with Mr JC Straker as president.

SILVER FIND: Eighty silver coins were found lodged in a wall at Allendale. They were dated to belong in approximately the reign of Queen Elizabeth and were mostly well-preserved shillings and sixpences.

150 years ago

COAL REDUCED: The Courant reported a further reduction in coal from Alston coal mines. Coal could now be bought 11d or 11 1/2 d per cwt.

OFFICER ASSAULTED: A police sergeant was assaulted when he tried to stop a fracas between two men at the Boathouse Inn, Wylam. The two men were both fined £10 each.