Masters Champion Sergio Garcia and Miguel Ángel Jiménez complete line up for Hero ChallengeFloodlit shootout to take place on the Tuesday night before the British MastersTournament host Lee Westwood also among the eight European Tour players, with celebrities also set to take partMasters Tournament Champion Sergio Garcia and 21-time European Tour winner Miguel Ángel Jiménez are the final players confirmed in the eight-man line up for the Hero Challenge, which returns to the British Masters supported by Sky Sports next week.The Spanish stars will join Englishmen Matthew Fitzpatrick, Danny Willett, Ross Fisher and tournament host Lee Westwood under the lights on Tuesday September 26, as well as Germany’s Martin Kaymer and Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger, all of whom will take part in the European Tour’s exciting one-hole knockout contest for the first time.The players will feature in seven quick-fire head-to-head knockout matches over a specially constructed par three hole at Close House, with the last man standing crowned champion two days before the venue hosts the British Masters supported by Sky Sports for the first time from September 28-October 1.The rivalry will not only be fierce amongst the professionals, with celebrities also set to take part in a separate nearest the pin competition, including Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler, England cricketer Stuart Broad MBE and Gaz from Geordie Shore.The Hero Challenge will be televised live on Sky Sports from 7:30pm to 9:00pm, and across the European Tour’s platforms, with free tickets to be there in person available here.Garcia, who accepted an invitation from his Ryder Cup teammate to return to the British Masters for the first time since 1998 - returning the favour after Westwood participated in Garcia’s charity event, Sergio and Friends, in Switzerland last summer - is looking forward to getting involved in the innovative Hero Challenge concept.“I’m excited to take on the Hero Challenge and have a bit of fun with a very competitive group of guys,” said Garcia. “I’m sure we are going to get some big crowds as I have heard they love their sport in the North East, so I’m looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere and putting on a good show for the fans on Tuesday night.”Fan favourite Jiménez will certainly prove a popular addition to the Hero Challenge line up, as the charismatic Spaniard is a natural entertainer and will no doubt be in his element on Tuesday evening under lights.He said: “It’s great the European Tour is bringing this kind of innovation to the players and our fans. I’m looking forward to a fun night at the Hero Challenge and hopefully it will be the perfect start for me ahead of the British Masters."All eight players will make their first appearance in the exciting knockout contest which debuted at last year’s British Masters at The Grove and returned earlier this year at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, where American Patrick Reed defeated Tyrrell Hatton in a close-run final. The final edition of 2017 is set to take place at the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai at Jumeirah Golf Estates.Fans can watch the Hero Challenge for free with tickets available here and can purchase tickets to see Westwood, alongside Garcia and four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy at the British Masters supported by Sky Sports at Close House from September 28-October 1, by clicking here.Hospitality packages for The Colt Pavilion are also available. Prices for The Colt Pavilion, which will overlook the 18th hole at Close House, start at £275 + VAT per person.For further information or to request a brochure call 01344 840 681 or email [email protected].

British Masters team up with Newcastle United and Newcastle Racecourse Sports fans can see the golfing action at Close House and attend the Newcastle United 125th Anniversary Racenight at Newcastle RacecourseA combination ticket is now on sale for £50 hereThe British Masters supported by Sky Sports has aligned with Newcastle United and Newcastle Racecourse to offer sports fans a one-off experience when it arrives in the region later this month. Bringing together golf and horse racing – in celebration of football – for the first time, a special edition ticket is now available here as the tournament prepares to descend on Close House from 28 September-October 1.The combination ticket will include access to the British Masters supported by Sky Sports on either Saturday 30 September or Sunday 1 October, as well as prior entry to Newcastle United’s 125th Anniversary Racenight at Newcastle Racecourse on Friday 29 September – in recognition of the North East hosting the tournament during NUFC’s 125th year.Those who purchase a ticket can choose which day to attend Close House, and take their place on the green to see some of the world’s best golfers including tournament host and former World Number One Lee Westwood, Masters Champion Sergio Garcia and defending champion Alex Noren. Before enjoying the golfing action, combination ticket holders can place their bets at the Newcastle United 125th Anniversary Racenight in association with the British Masters at Close House, and celebrate the club’s milestone birthday. The racenight is family-friendly and gates will open at 3:45pm, with the first race at 5:45pm and final race at 8:45pm. The evening will include seven races in total, as part of Newcastle Racecourse’s autumn all-weather racing season. Children under the age of 18 will be admitted free with a paying adult, and there will be a funfair for younger attendees. Rory Colville, tournament director of the British Masters supported by Sky Sports, said: “We’re pleased to have partnered with Newcastle United and Newcastle Racecourse to offer sports fans and families access to the tournament and special racenight with one combination ticket. It is a massive year for sport in the North East with the British Masters hosted in the region for the first time in 45 years, and Newcastle United marking its 125th anniversary.“With just a couple of weeks to go the tournament is shaping up to be a fantastic event. We’ve announced a strong line up of professionals so far and the response from people in the North East has been incredible.” David Williamson, executive director of Newcastle Racecourse, said: “We’re thrilled to have Newcastle United on board as our headline sponsor, and the British Masters as partners for the Newcastle United 125th Anniversary Racenight. The combination ticket truly is a great offering, allowing racegoers, football fans and families to be part of celebrating Newcastle United’s history at an exciting evening of racing, as well as seeing global golfing pros right here in the region. It’s set to be a fantastic weekend of sport.”Brian Aitken, head of corporate affairs at Newcastle United, said: “The club’s 125th anniversary is a special milestone and we are delighted to be sharing our celebrations with the region’s wider sporting community.“The North East is known for its passion for sport and with our celebratory racenight and the British Masters at Close House approaching rapidly, this combination ticket is a fantastic way for people to immerse themselves in both of these headline events.”Combination tickets must be purchased in advance of the tournament and are now available here, priced at £50 per person. For further information or to request a brochure call 01344 840 681 or email [email protected].

Matthew Fitzpatrick, Bernd Wiesberger and Danny Willett confirmed for Hero ChallengeOne-hole shootout to take place on the Tuesday night before the British Masters at Close House Tournament host Lee Westwood also among the eight participants Matthew Fitzpatrick, Bernd Wiesberger and Danny Willett will join former World Number One Lee Westwood under the lights when the Hero Challenge – the European Tour’s one-hole knockout contest – returns to the British Masters supported by Sky Sports later this month.The quartet will go head-to-head over a specially constructed par three hole on Tuesday September 26 at Close House, two days before the venue hosts the British Masters supported by Sky Sports for the first time from September 28-October 1.Tournament host Lee Westwood, the ten-time Ryder Cup player, will be joined by compatriots Matthew Fitzpatrick and Danny Willett, with Austrian Bernd Wiesberger completing half of the eight-man field that will take part in the challenge as the British Masters returns to the North East for the first time in 45 years.The Hero Challenge will take place on the Tuesday night of the British Masters supported by Sky Sports and will be televised live on Sky Sports from 7.30pm to 9.00pm, and across the European Tour’s platforms, with free tickets to be there in person available here.Eight European Tour players will feature in seven quick-fire head-to-head straight knockout matches, the last man standing will be crowned champion, with four celebrities also taking part in a separate challenge.All four players will make their first appearance in the exciting, knockout contest which debuted at last year’s British Masters at The Grove and returned earlier this year at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, where American Patrick Reed defeated Tyrrell Hatton in a close-run final. The final edition of 2017 is set to take place at the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai at Jumeirah Golf Estates.Fitzpatrick, who won the British Masters on the tournament’s return to the European Tour schedule in 2015, is looking forward to the match play knockout event, having made his Ryder Cup debut alongside Westwood and Willett last year at Hazeltine National.“I’ve watched the last two Hero Challenge events and the guys have all said how fun it is, so it will be great playing in front of the British fans this year at Close House,” said the 23 year old.It is a sentiment echoed by 2016 Masters Tournament Champion Danny Willett as he prepares to play in front of the fans from the North East for the first time. The Englishman claimed the Green Jacket at Augusta National last year – with Westwood finishing joint runner-up – and is looking forward to playing under floodlights before the tournament officially gets underway on the Thursday of that week.“Lee has done a brilliant job so far with the British Masters and I know that the Hero Challenge is going to be an amazing experience. The fans up North love their sport and with something different like this on the Tuesday night, the atmosphere is going to be electric, so I’m really looking forward to getting out there and challenging some of the other guys,” said Willett.World Number 33 Wiesberger has been one of the European Tour’s in-form players this season and is currently ranked tenth in the Race to Dubai Rankings presented by Rolex, having won the Shenzhen International in April.“I love that the European Tour is introducing these new initiatives for our fans and the Hero Challenge is really exciting for us as players as well because it’s a different kind of pressure compared to what you experience in a normal golf tournament,” said the 31 year old.“It’s certainly going to be fun and from what I hear the crowds in Newcastle are big sports fans, so I hope we can put on a good show for them.”Westwood added: “The Hero Challenge is another exciting element to the British Masters this year and I’m looking forward to being part of it. We’ve got a great field for the tournament itself and with Danny, Matthew and Bernd also taking part in the Hero Challenge, we’ve got a fantastic line-up for that too, so I’m sure the fans will really enjoy it.”Fans can watch the Hero Challenge for free with tickets available here and can purchase tickets to see Westwood, alongside Masters Champion Sergio Garcia and World Number 12 Alex Noren at the British Masters supported by Sky Sports at Close House from September 28-October 1, by clicking here.Hospitality packages for The Colt Pavilion are also available. Prices for The Colt Pavilion, which will overlook the 18th hole at Close House, start at £275 + VAT per person.For further information or to request a brochure call 01344 840 681 or email [email protected] credit - Getty Images

Tommy Fleetwood and Andy Sullivan to join tournament host Lee Westwood at Close HouseFellow British stars confirmed include Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Chris Wood and Ross FisherTickets on sale via britishmasters.europeantour.comTommy Fleetwood and Andy Sullivan are the latest additions to join tournament host Lee Westwood and Masters Champion Sergio Garcia in the North East as part of the stellar line up for the British Masters supported by Sky Sports.The British stars will be joined by some of the biggest names in golf later this month at Close House when they tee it up alongside Garcia, World Number 12 Alex Noren, and fan favourite Andrew “Beef” Johnston, as a host of Europe’s leading golfers prepare to descend upon Northumberland.Tickets to see the impressive line-up of British and international talent are available here with hospitality packages also on sale.Fleetwood kick-started his year with a memorable win at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and maintained his impressive form with two runner-up finishes at the WGC-Mexico Championship in March and Shenzhen International in April.The Southport native then went on to finish fourth at the U.S. Open at Erin Hills - a career-best result in a Major - and with his second victory of the year coming in July at the HNA Open de France at Le Golf National, he now sits firmly at the top of the Race to Dubai Rankings presented by Rolex.“I’m really looking forward to playing on home soil and in front of our passionate British fans in the North East,” said the 26 year old. “We have changed golf courses with the tournament hosts for the past few years and wherever we have gone, the support from our fans and the general public has been simply incredible, it really makes it a great atmosphere during the week for everyone involved.“It has been a dream year for me so far winning the tournaments in Abu Dhabi and France, playing well at some of the big events and now leading the Race to Dubai as we approach the end of the season.”The young Englishman is looking to improve on a strong record at the tournament in recent years, having finished tied fourth in 2016 at The Grove and 13th in 2015 at Woburn.“Everything away from the course is very exciting for me at the moment and I think that has had a positive impact on my golf game this year. Plus, we are awaiting the arrival of our first baby this month as well!“It’s a great field assembling this year and hopefully I can bring that good form with me to the British Masters and be right up there when it counts on the Sunday of the tournament.”Sullivan will join his Ryder Cup teammate and tournament host Westwood at Close House for the first time, as the Nuneaton native looks to add a fourth European Tour title to his name.Sullivan said: “I have some fantastic memories of this event from the past two years and I know Westy will do an unreal job as tournament host. We have a talented group of British players coming through the European Tour ranks right now and I know the fans in the North East are going to get right behind us.”For tickets to see the line-up of world class golfers at the British Masters supported by Sky Sports at Close House from September 28-October 1, click here.Hospitality packages for The Colt Pavilion are also available. Prices for The Colt Pavilion, which will overlook the 18th hole at Close House, start at £275 + VAT per person.For further information or to request a brochure call 01344 840 681 or email [email protected].

Former Newcastle United striker will tee it up at Close House on September 27He will join fellow former Number Nine Les FerdinandProceeds from the day will go to the Graham Wylie FoundationFORMER Newcastle United and England star Andrew Cole is the latest famous former Number Nine to join the line-up for the Hero Pro-Am at Close House on the eve of the British Masters supported by Sky Sports next month. Cole, who netted 68 times in 84 appearances for the Magpies, will join fellow Magpies legend Les Ferdinand in the star-studded line-up for the event on Wednesday September 27. They will tee it up alongside some of the European Tour’s leading golfers, including Masters Champion Sergio Garcia, defending champion Alex Noren and tournament host Lee Westwood, the former World Number One. Cole, who went on to win the Premier League and Champions League with Manchester United, will be back at St James Park on Saturday when he joins Ryder Cup star Westwood in a footgolf challenge during the halftime break at the Newcastle v West Ham United match. The pair will compete to see who can hole the most shots – Cole with a football, Westwood with a golf ball – to win free tickets for Newcastle fans to attend the British Masters supported by Sky Sports, which takes place at Close House from 28 September to 01 October 2017.Tickets for both the Hero Pro-Am and the tournament itself are available here, with proceeds from the Pro-Am going to the tournament’s Official Charity, the Graham Wylie Foundation, which was set up by Close House’s owner to inspire and educate children across the North East region. Cole said: “I’m really looking forward to being back in the North East for the Pro-Am at the British Masters. The fans in the region are always great to me and it will be fun to return to join Les and some of the Tour players on the golf course. “I really enjoy playing golf when I get the chance so to see how the professionals like Lee and Sergio play will be a great experience too. Lee and I will have a bit of fun on Saturday as well in front of the crowd at St James’ and hopefully some of the fans will come along and support the tournament next month.”The British Masters returns to the North East for the first time in 45 years from 28 September to 01 October, with Close House playing host for the first time in the event’s 71-year history. Fans have already been getting behind the tournament, with 10,000 free tickets for Thursday’s first round snapped up in less than 30 minutes. Tickets for the Hero Pro-Am are on sale from £8 and can be purchased here, as can tickets for all four rounds of the British Masters. Hospitality packages for The Colt Pavilion are also available for the British Masters supported by Sky Sports. Prices for The Colt Pavilion, which will overlook the 18th hole at Close House, start at £275 + VAT. For further information or to request a brochure call 01344 840 681 or email [email protected].

With just days to go until Northumberland is alive with the sights and sounds of the Ovo Energy Tour of Britain, spectators are being urged to arrive in plenty of time to catch the action.The Ovo Energy Tour of Britain, the UK’s premier road cycling event, is coming to the county on Monday 4 September, with world class riders cycling over 200 kms between Kielder and Blyth, passing through 28 communities along the route.To minimise disruption across the county, all roads on the route will be closed using a rolling roadblock system for around 40 minutes - both 20 minutes before and after the cyclists are expected to pass through each community.The closures are required to ensure the safety of spectators and competitors and will be managed by police motorcycle escorts. While the closures are in place, pedestrian access will be maintained as will vehicle access for emergency services.In some key parts of the race, including Rothbury to Alnwick, Belford to Seahouses, Lesbury to Warkworth, the centre of Morpeth and in Blyth town centre there will be full road closures which will have a greater impact on travel.Although the road closures will be kept in place for as short a time as possible, they will inevitably cause some disruption to both car and bus journeys. Spectators are advised to arrive in plenty of time to watch the race and residents who are going about their daily business on race day are being asked to plan their journeys around the race, take a different route, or allow extra travel time.Some key points and estimated timings along the route:10.15am - Start on Kielder Dam11am - First King of the Mountains climb starts outside Elsdon, climbing to the Winter’s Gibbet11:45am - Riders approach Rothbury followed by King of the Mountains hill climbs up Debdon Bank and Corby Crag12:10pm - Riders approach Alnwick1pm - Riders approach Belford and head to Bamburgh1.20 pm - Sprint through Seahouses2pm -Sprint through Warkworth2.40pm - Arrive in Morpeth via Amble, Widdrington and Ulgham2:50pm - Arrive in Bedlington via Guide Post and Choppington3pm - Riders pass through Blyth for the first time 3:10pm - Sprint through Seaton Sluice 3:30pm- Riders race back through Blyth for the finishDeputy Leader of Northumberland County Council, Councillor Wayne Daley said:“The preparation is almost complete and we’re ready to welcome the Tour of Britain, which will attract many visitors to the county, boost the local economy and showcase Northumberland’s magnificent landscape to a worldwide television audience. “ The council has worked hard to minimise disruption for its residents while the race takes place but this is a major international event so there will be a number of road closures in place to ensure the race can take place safely. “We will be working hard to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum and would ask residents to familiarise themselves with some of the details and timings of the route so they can plan ahead. ”Access to Morpeth Bus Station, Morpeth Railway Station and public car parks in the centre of Morpeth will all be affected by the road closure between 2pm - 3.30pm so visitors should plan their journeys around these times as routes around Morpeth are likely to be busy during this period.There will be disruption to other bus journeys on 4 September, particularly with afternoon services. Details of all affected services are available via www.nlandtob.com All health services will remain open and fully functioning during the Tour and access to hospitals and GP practices along the route will be maintained, although in some cases diversions may be in place. Patients and visitors are advised to allow extra time for their journey. Professor Chris Gray, medical director at NHS England Cumbria and the North East, said: “The Tour of Britain is sure to be an exciting event, but with the added influx of people in the area, this may put additional pressure on health services.“If you are unfortunate enough to have a minor injury or illness, such as a sprain, strain, cut or fall, there are lots of options – ranging from pharmacist advice and basic first aid treatment to GP surgeries and NHS 111. Please keep A&E for life-threatening injuries and severe symptoms which come on suddenly.”For more details about Stage Two of the Tour of Britain, including maps detailing the route, road closures and estimated arrival times of the race, plus information about events going on in your local area, visit www.nlandtob.com

An exciting new tool to attract a greater number of international visitors to the English coast has been awarded funding by VisitEngland’s Discover England Fund.Developed by The National Coastal Tourism Academy (NCTA), ‘England’s Coast’ will focus on attracting German, Dutch and French visitors to coastal destinations including Northumberland, Brighton and Eastbourne, Devon and Cornwall, and the Jurassic Coast. Using interactive video technology created as part of a previous NCTA project, ‘England’s Coast’ will give holidaymakers the ability to create their own itineraries.The itinerary builder will enable accommodation, activity and attraction providers, retailers and destinations across the relevant stretches of coastline to add their businesses so that international visitors can create bespoke personalised itineraries.Jude Leitch, director of Northumberland Tourism, said: “The Northumberland Coast is a jewel in our county’s crown, spectacular whatever the weather. Endless beaches and secret coves, rugged dunes and rock-pools; dramatic cliffs topped with castles, where the ancient Whin Sill splits the land to meet the sea. We’re delighted to be a part of such an innovative project, and certainly welcome more international visitors to try a Northumberland holiday.”The scope of the project will also be expanded to target group travel through FIT (Fully Independent Travel) and group itineraries showcasing the very best of England’s coast. A series of online learning programmes will be available to educate international travel trade about the coast, as well as product knowledge and customer service courses for local businesses on the coast.Speaking about ‘England’s Coast’, NCTA Academy Director Samantha Richardson said: “The award from VisitEngland’s Discover England Fund is a fantastic opportunity to develop and connect product on England’s coast into bookable itineraries for international visitors.“We now know from our pilot on the East coast that the coast appeals to international visitors once they are made aware of the product and England’s Coast provides a new reason for many seasoned travellers to discover England. Our primary focus will initially be the German market, whilst also continuing to work with the Dutch, building on our East coast project. “Our research demonstrates that although the number of international visitors to the coast has historically been relatively low, this is largely because international consumers simply aren’t aware of what the coast offers or how to book.“The project will create bookable short-break itineraries to highlight the very best on the coast and focus on couples travelling without children to encourage trips off-peak and help to reduce seasonality. It supports the wider Vision for the Visitor Economy on the Coast and the project will work with a number of partners from both the public and private sectors, including P&O Ferries, Hertz, Green Traveller, and a number of destination management organisations on the coast.”

Cycling fans are in store for a wheelie great weekend at Kielder Water & Forest Park ahead of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain coming to the region.In preparation for the UK’s biggest and most prestigious cycle race coming to Northumberland, Northumbrian Water is holding its first ever ‘Kielderfest’ at its Kielder Waterside site.The two day cycle themed festival will take place on Saturday, September 2, and Sunday, September 3, is free to attend and includes live music, street food and a whole host of cycling related activities and events to help get people of all ages and abilities in the mood for the big day on Monday.Events include:A pop up velodrome cycling track being run by the team at Street Velodrome. Festival goers will be able to challenge themselves on the track and get tips and advice from the pros. Stunt performances and shows by the world record holding 3Sixty Cycle Stunt Team. A number of live bands will be playing on a main stage over the two days including; Groove Allstars, Glen Roughead, Diablo, High Tide, Shaka and The Sublimes. Outdoor ‘deck chair’ giant HD cinema on the banks of Kielder Water showing Back To The Future on Saturday night and Grease on Sunday night. There will also be mountain bike coaching sessions, pop up street food stalls and a full range of GO ACTIVE activities including Water Walkers, Crazy Carts, Crazy Trikes, Hoverball Archery, Crossbows and Segways.David Hall, Head of Leisure, Strategy and Transformation at Northumbrian Water said: “We are well and truly getting into the spirit of the Tour of Britain with KielderFest and have an action packed weekend of events planned for guests, visitors and cycling fans.“People will be in for a real treat with fantastic local food stalls, live local bands playing on our main stage and superb entertainment and hands-on demonstrations from the likes of Street Velodrome and the 3Sixty Cycle Stunt Team.“KielderFest is completely free to attend and everyone is welcome to join us, whether it’s for one day or the full weekend. We have accommodation available at our luxurious new lodges but there is also a park and ride operating for visitors.“We are delighted and very proud to be playing our part in welcoming the Tour of Britain to the region and there’s no doubt that KielderFest will help get us all get ready for the action on Monday.”Northumberland County Councillor Cath Homer, cabinet member with responsibility for leisure said: “This promises to be a fantastic weekend of free family entertainment to celebrate the arrival of the Tour. Kielder Water is the most beautiful of settings and I'd urge local residents to go along and get involved."The second stage of the OVO Energy Tour of Britain cycle race will start at 10:15am on Monday, September 4, on Kielder dam, before traveling through the heart of Northumberland, passing through 28 communities and covering 117 miles of the county.For more information on KielderFest visit www.kielderwaterside.com or Kielder Waterside Facebook page.Postcode for parking at the Kielder Waterside site on the day is NE48 1BT and the car park is just across from the Waterside site. There is park and ride service available for visitors.Full Northumberland route details for the ToB can be found at www.nlandtob.com, or for further information about the National Tour, please visit: www.tourofbritain.co.uk/home.php

People thinking of entering events at Kielder Marathon Weekend are being urged to do so quickly, as places for Britain’s most beautiful races are filling up fast.The 2017 Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon Weekend is being held at Northumbrian Water’s Kielder Waterside and Reservoir site on the weekend of October 7/8.Places in the Run Bike Run event are almost full, with the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k and the children’s events not far behind.Race organisers are urging anyone thinking of applying to take part in any of the events to do so now, to avoid missing out on a place and being disappointed.Race director Steve Cram said: “There’s been a fantastic response to this year’s events from all across the country and if you want to bag your place on the start line for the marathon, half marathon, 10k or Run Bike Run then get your application in now before it’s too late.“The Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon has become one of the key events in the running diary and although it’s a challenging course there is something for all runners, whatever your ability.”David Hall, Head of Leisure Strategy at Northumbrian Water, said: “We are just six weeks away from the Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon Weekend and can’t wait to host Britain’s most beautiful marathon for another year.“Looking at the entries for this year it’s clear we are in for another busy one, so I would urge anyone who’s been thinking of entering to get signed up quickly so they don’t miss out on a place.”The Active Northumberland Kielder Marathon Weekend 2017 is run by Events of the North, a company led by Olympians Steve Cram and Allison Curbishley, in conjunction with Northumbrian Water, Active Northumberland, and Northumberland County Council.The quickest and easiest way to enter any of the Kielder Marathon 2017 events is online.Visit www.kieldermarathon.com and book your place now.

On Saturday 29 July, Northumberland National Park Authority officially opened the doors to The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre.The crowning jewel in the UK National Parks Week celebrations, National Park staff reported that the new £14.8m state-of-the-art visitor centre and world-class youth hostel attracted over 5,000 visitors in its first weekend.Over the course of the weekend, The Sill, which was partially funded by the National Lottery through a £7.8m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), played host to a range of activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. The opening weekend itinerary included guided tours of the unique Whin Sill Grassland roof and Youth Hostel (YHA The Sill at Hadrian’s Wall), musical entertainment from traditional Northumbrian pipers, bush craft activities with the National Park Rangers, storytelling with Taffy Thomas and vintage country bus rides between The Sill site at Once Brewed on Hadrian’s Wall and Walltown Country Park, which had been transformed for the weekend into a giant children’s playground.Dr Sarah Glynn, Sill Manager, said:“We were absolutely delighted to officially welcome the first visitors to The Sill. “All things considered, the opening weekend ran very smoothly and the feedback we have received from the public has been incredibly positive.“As the UK’s first dedicated National Landscape Discovery Centre, The Sill is designed to excite, inspire and enable people of all ages to understand and explore the landscapes, history, culture and heritage of Northumberland. “The opening weekend was just the very first stepping stone towards achieving this vision and we are very much looking forward to welcoming many more visitors in the weeks, months and years to come.”Boasting a 90-seater café, 86-bed Youth Hostel, gift shop, fixed and temporary exhibition spaces, a rural business hub, learning and event spaces, a national park information point and a fully accessible Whin Sill Grassland roof, The Sill is open daily between 9.30am and 6pm.For more information, visit https://www.thesill.org.uk/.

THE 50 day countdown to the arrival of the British Masters supported by Sky Sports at Close House begins today (Wednesday 09 August) as the region prepares to host one of golf’s biggest tournaments.Taking place in the North East for the first time in 45 years and set to be one of the largest sporting events in the region in 2017, the European Tour will welcome some of the world’s leading golfers, including Masters Champion Sergio Garcia, as announced by tournament host Lee Westwood last month.The golfing greats including Westwood and Garcia - who will return to the British Masters for the first time since 1998 following winning a Green Jacket at Augusta National in April this year and his first Major Championship, are set to take to the green at the Heddon-on-the-Wall course from 28 September to 01 October.As part of the highly anticipated event, sporting heroes including Alan Shearer will also be teeing up alongside some of European Tour’s leading players during the Hero Pro-Am on Thursday 27 September in aid of the Graham Wylie Foundation, the tournament’s official charity.All proceeds from this day will go to the foundation, which was set up by Close House’s owner Graham Wylie to inspire and educate children across the North East.The tournament promises to offer entertainment for all ages, whether golf fans, families or groups of friends, with a series of exciting announcements yet to come including key players, sponsors and things to see and do.Rory Colville, Championship Director of the British Masters supported by Sky Sports said: “The British Masters supported by Sky Sports has been a hugely popular event with fans over the last couple of years. The response of fans in the North East and beyond has been simply incredible.”Tickets for the British Masters supported by Sky Sports and the Hero Pro-Am are available now and can be purchased by clicking here. Hospitality packages for The Colt Pavilion are also available which will overlook the 18th hole at Close House. Prices start at £275 + VAT per person.For further information visit britishmasters.europeantour.com or to request a brochure call 01344 840 681 or email [email protected].

The Kielder ospreys have now fledged 50 chicks since they began nesting at Kielder Water & Forest Park in 2009.This year, nine chicks have fledged from four nests including Archer from Nest 3, who is officially the 50th bird to take its first flight at Kielder.This year is the second most successful breeding season ever for the Kielder Ospreys, with only 2016 producing more fledged chicks, a record-breaking 11 of them. However, this year’s success has been tinged with sadness. One of the 13 eggs one failed to hatch and three of the chicks died before they had a chance to fledge.Extremely wet weather at times has affected a number of UK osprey nests this season, including Kielder. The overall productivity of just over two fledges per nest is still above the average for many UK osprey projects.Joanna Dailey, Kielder Osprey expert volunteer, said: “Kielder Water & Forest Park has proved to be a successful home for ospreys, with excellent habitat and food supply. A special pleasure this year has been seeing the Nest 3 adults, breeding here since 2014, raise three chicks for the first time. It is apt that the official 50th Kielder fledge is from that nest.”Visitors can still watch the antics of the birds until late August through nest cameras broadcasting at Kielder Castle Café. For a chance to see these magnificent birds, join Northumberland Wildlife Trust volunteers at Northumbrian Water’s Kielder Waterside every Saturday, Sunday and Monday to view Nest 1A and 2 through a scope and see live footage broadcast from the nest to a screen in the cabin.Fans of the famous birds can also keep up to date with them by checking the blog at https://kielderospreys.wordpress.com/Kielder Osprey Watch is a partnership between Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, Forestry Commission, RSPB, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Northumbrian Water and Calvert Trust Kielder. The partners are working hard to ensure that the ospreys are here to stay by maintaining a high quality habitat in Kielder Water & Forest Park and safeguarding and monitoring the nest sites. To find out more, go to www.visitkielder.com.