AS the date of the county’s very first Northumberland Day is announced, residents and businesses are being invited to get on board.

Sunday, May 28 will plant the flag for pride, heralding the start of an annual round of celebrations highlighting all that is best about these ancient lands.

Northumberland Day will take place thereafter on the last Sunday of each May, timed to tie in with Northumberland County Show, which takes place the next day on the Spring Bank Holiday.

The official day has finally materialised following 15 months of planning by Langley Castle Hotel, which first put out the call for a Northumberland Day in July 2015.

Owner Dr Stuart Madnick said: “This is my 30th anniversary year as owner of Langley Castle and I am thrilled to know that our vision of creating a county day for Northumberland is to be realised in 2017.

“Months of hard work and commitment have gone into this and we must thank all the organisations that have been involved with our idea and helped put a date in the calendar.

“Yorkshire Day has been part of that county’s life for a very long time and our vision is to see Northumberland Day having the same grass-roots support, delivered by passionate Northumbrians who wish to show a pride in their county.”

Other organisations involved include Northumberland County Council, Northumberland Tourism, Northumberland County Show, Hexham Community Partnership, Active Northumberland, Allendale Forge, Core Music and Mad Dog Outdoors.

Now the steering group plans to engage with the education sector – with a view to establishing a county-wide celebration in schools on Friday May 26 – as well as with parish councils, community groups and businesses.

All will be encouraged to do something to mark Northumberland Day, whether that be something as simple as flying the county flag to organising a special community event everyone can join in with.

The Langley Castle team is also keen to have a big public event as the centrepiece of the celebrations, and to find a sponsor or sponsors willing to back it.

Would-be organisers and sponsors of Northumberland Day events can get in touch by emailing NDay@catapultpr.co.uk.