By ROBERT GIBSON

Last updated 21:30, Wednesday, 13 August 2008

MORE than 143,000 hectares of land in Tynedale has now been registered, representing around 65 per cent of land in the district.

Now other landowners are being encouraged to follow suit and take advantage of a voluntary land registration scheme.

The initiative is part of a drive by Land Registry – the Government department responsible for registering land ownership in England and Wales – to help landowners identify and register what they own.

Around 35 per cent of England and Wales is still unregistered. Tynedale is line with the national total, with 80,000 hectares now officially registered.

Register development manager for the North-east Harry Charlton said: “We have seen an increase in the amount of land registered in Tynedale, with the total increasing by more than 13,000 hectares in the past year.

“We're delighted so many have recognised the value of registration and would welcome inquiries from as many landowners as possible.

“We have a straightforward and cost-effective system for checking and registering who owns what and we're currently offering a 25 per cent discount on the costs for those who voluntarily register their land.”

Government-backed registration gives landowners greater security of title, providing them with better protection against any potential claims of adverse possession or other ownerships rights.

Landowners can also be assured the administration of their land holding is in good order, with key information in one place and easy to access.

To find out more about the voluntary registration scheme visit the Land Registry website www.landregistry.gov.uk, call 08004320432 or email registerland@landregistry.gsi.gov.uk