(Image: NNPA)
Volunteers who have given the equivalent of more than 1,000 years to protecting and promoting the North East countryside have been honoured.
Forty-four volunteers attended, while Northumberland National Park Authority recognised more than 40 others in their absence, including father and son Brian and Graham Atkins. They have volunteered since 1969, when Graham was 12.
Graham Atkins said: "It's my county and my heritage and I wanted to get involved. It's been a passion."
Brian Atkins received his long service award for more than 50 years service from chief executive officer, David Renwick (Image: NNPA)
The volunteers were honoured at a special event for their work preserving and promoting the national park.
David Renwick, chief executive of Northumberland National Park Authority, said: "To celebrate over a combined 1,000 years of voluntary service is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the dedication, passion and generosity of our volunteers.
"For six decades our volunteers have cared for our landscapes, welcomed visitors, shared knowledge and inspired others to connect with Northumberland National Park.
David and Dot Patterson who each have volunteered more than 40 years with Northumberland National Park (Image: NNPA)
"As we celebrate Northumberland National Park's 70th anniversary year, it’s fitting that we recognise the people who have shaped this landscape.
"Volunteers have been at the heart of the National Park since its earliest days, and their contribution will remain vital as we protect and enhance this special place for the future."
Long-serving volunteers received certificates and pin badges marking 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 years of service.
Mike and Liz Smith out in the National Park conducting a bird survey as part of their volunteering duties (Image: NNPA)
Brian and Graham Atkins said early volunteers shared a love of natural history and deep knowledge of the county.
The pair often worked together and met for lunch during the day.
Graham said: "I like giving something back.
"I’m proud of my heritage and my county and to be able to share my knowledge and experiences with visitors."
Liz and Mike Smith celebrating 50 years service to Northumberland National Park (Image: Supplied)
Married couple Dot and David Patterson, who have volunteered for more than 40 years, also explained why they give their time.
Mrs Patterson said: "we just love being outdoors and being a volunteer gets you out when you might not feel like doing it because you’re committed, and you thoroughly enjoy it – it keeps us going."
Mr Patterson added: "we were both brought up that you had a duty to do something, to give something back."
Volunteers were invited to view Volunteer Voices, a new exhibition created by fellow volunteers Sue Loader and Sally Hewitt.
The exhibition began as an oral history project to preserve volunteers’ memories.
It has since become a temporary display and book documenting the history of volunteering in the national park for the first time.
Many contributors supplied photographs and objects that tell the story of their work.
Among those recognised were Mike and Liz Smith, who have each volunteered for 50 years.
Smiths and Pettitts on patrol c1972 (Image: NNPA)
A 1970 photograph of the couple with their children appears on one of the exhibition panels.
Northumberland National Park now has more than 200 active volunteers supporting visitors and conserving the landscape in a range of roles.
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Volunteers have contributed 1,438 days of service so far this year.
The volunteer programme is supported by the National Lottery Community Fund, Barbour Foundation and Ninevah Charitable Trust.
Community Foundation North East and Tarmac backed the Volunteer Voices project.