IN my work as a professional Blue Badge tourist guide I get enormous satisfaction guiding visitors at any time of the year, but my job is made particularly pleasurable at the height of the summer season when Northumberland’s already picturesque towns and villages sport their wonderful floral displays.

It can be hard for human beings to improve on what Mother Nature offers in this lovely county of ours, but the volunteer teams and commercial businesses in places such as Corbridge, and elsewhere in the county, should be proud of their work and creativity.

I have enough problem keeping my own garden under control, so what must the challenges be in co-ordinating an entire village of floral displays?

And those efforts are not just noticed by the tourist guide, or by visitors from this country. Even international cruise ship passengers joining the shore excursions from the Port of Tyne can be heard murmuring their appreciation of the well-planted tubs, troughs and hanging baskets, as the coach drives through Corbridge.

Thank you to all involved for adding to Northumberland’s rich tapestry and providing me with another theme for my tour.

JAN WILLIAMS

North-East England Blue Badge Guide

Corbridge