THERE was some success for the Tyne Valley at this year’s Northumbie Awards.

The awards, which recognise participation and passion for Northumberland Day, were handed out during a ceremony a the White Swan in Alnwick on August 28.

Winners picked up Northumbie Trophies, while runners-up were handed Hearts of Achievement awards, all designed by glass artist Helen Grierson.

Sonja Gregory, owner of the Hytte self-catering accommodation in Bingfield, near Matfen, won the Northumberland Day Flag Challenge Northumbie, in the district’s big success of the night.

Meanwhile Hexham Racecourse and Smile Through Sport were the runners up in the Just the Ticket Award, losing out to the Friends of Ridley Park in Blyth.

The awards ceremony also saw the launch of the “We Love Parishes in the Springtime” initiative.

An enormous Northumberland flag was handed to councillors Liz and Tom Dunn, representing the parish of Lynemouth. Lynemouth will be the starting point for a flag relay that will see the huge flag passed from parish to parish in spring 2020.

Organisers of Northumberland Day are hoping more parishes will get involved.

Jane Hunt, who organises the celebration, said: “Seeing how excited and emotional our 15 winners were at the Northumbies 2019, makes all the hard work worthwhile.

“I have to thank the sponsors who got involved and also the White Swan Hotel for giving us the room hire for free and the Alnwick Rum Company and the Pilgrim Spirit Company for also sponsoring the drinks reception.

“We Love Parishes in the Springtime’ got a very positive response. We hope to register many more parishes in the coming weeks.”