Richard's History Listen

L to R: Neal Younger (Synergy), Richard Pyle

and Newbiggin Mayor Will Rogers.

And Richard's commentaries will feature in a series of broadcasts on Synergy when the station returns on 87.7FM and on-line at www.synergyradio.co.uk in August.

Richard, 53, who now lives in Zurich, was born in Newbiggin and admits to being "a huge local history buff". "I completed my masters degree on British history at Newcastle University a couple of years ago," he said. "I specialised on the history of south east Northumberland and my dissertation centred on Newbiggin."

Richard's interactive guide to 14 villages and towns includes 30 sites in his native Newbiggin including Church Point, The Haven - former summer home of the Trevelyan family of Wallington Hall, and the old colliery site.

"The app, which I call 'Village Guides' is aimed at visitors and residents alike and I hope it will contribute to a better understanding of the area's heritage," he added. Newbiggin's mayor, Councillor Will Rogers welcomed the new app. "I think it is incredible", he said. "It is an excellent guide to the area. We want people to come and visit Newbiggin, and this guide is a great and innovative way to sell the area".

The guides are available on the itunes app store priced 99p to £1.99p. For more information contact Richard via villageguides@gm.com ■