In a week where we heard the sad news that Brenda Blethyn is stepping back from her iconic role as DCI Vera Stanhope there is another TV show shining a light on our beautiful county of Northumberland.

At Visit Northumberland we feel it is very important to keep up to date with our partners and make sure we have the finger on the pulse with regards to the tourism experience Northumberland has to offer.

A tranquil boat tour business, a luxury hotel, a fine-dining restaurant housed in a 13th century friary and a national park unsung-hero are among the finalists at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence which recognises exceptional visitor economy businesses and individuals from around the UK.

A landmark Destination North East England Conference is coming to The Glasshouse International Centre for Music on Monday 18th March, featuring panellists from Tripadvisor, Digital Tourism Think Tank and the Global Destination Sustainability Movement amongst others.

Northumberland stole the show at the annual awards, achieving gold in an amazing nine of the available fourteen categories, including the Unsung Hero category which was won by Duncan Wise from Northumberland National Park Authority.

Inner Farne, one of the Farne Islands cared for by the National Trust, will re-open for visitor boat landings in the spring, after a period of closure due to Avian Influenza.