We live in a world that can be very busy and very demanding of us. Often, many people live in a state of stress and we rarely take time out for ourselves to relax.

Stress can have huge effects in our lives, from stopping us being able to sleep properly, causing aches pains and muscle tension and the longer term health effects can include mental health problems, heart and blood pressure problems and more,

The ALT Group, a newly formed local community group is fundraising with a twist this weekend, hosting a Pop-Up Shop sale at local venue Blackhill Comrades Club from Thursday through to Sunday.

The sale will include a mix of art prints by local artists, pre-loved furniture, clothes and home products as well as locally made crafts with tea, coffee and refreshments on sale through the whole event. Families and children will be catered for with a play zone and face painting available for the kids or gel nails for the adults.

During the Pop-Up Shop event, The ALT Group team will be providing information sessions about the organisation and their future plans for community activities, including their Community Garden project plans that was started in February.

The ALT Group, a newly formed local community group has teamed up with local venue Blackhill Comrades Club to offer free entertainment, to the community in Consett on Thursday night.

Animal Show host and Magician Steve Lucock, 50 from Blyth has previously featured on Britain's Got Talent and Channel 5 Series, 41 Dogs In A 3 Bed Semi, received a warm welcome to the venue and entertained over 100 guests and volunteers with his comedy and education show alongside live animals.

In between the laughter, children and adults were introduced to many creatures including a Meercat, Skunk and Zante the Fox who are all rescued by Steve's animal rescue charity, Saviours Haven Sanctuary.