Northumberland has voted for its first-ever county rock and fossil, with the 250-year-old dolerite of the Whin Sill and ancient crinoids charming the public's choice.

It comes after Northumberland Wildlife Trust joined forces with The Natural History Society of Northumbria, Visit Northumberland, Northumberland & Newcastle Society and North Eastern Geological Society, to launch a public vote to find the county rock and fossil for Northumberland.

Ian Jackson, geologist and former Northumberland Wildlife Trust trustee said: “Rocks are literally the bedrock of the world’s heritage, economy and tourism, and have lots to tell scientists about things that are happening to landscapes as the world’s climate continues to change.

“I hope people will pull on their boots and go and search these rocks and fossils out for themselves.

"Exploring rocks and fossils means you not only get to travel across the countryside, you get to be a time traveller too… and you don’t need a Tardis.”

You can find dolerite at Hadrians wall and crinoids in the rocks and foreshore along the coast from Howick to Berwick.

Anybody wishing to find out more about the range of rocks the county has to offer can visit www.nwt.org.uk/50th-anniversary/rock-festival