This is the strapline for Northumberland, one of my favourite places. It's a truly spectacular county that stretches from the Scottish Borders to Newcastle and contains some of the UK's best beaches (Bamburgh), prettiest villages (Warkworth), most interesting history (Hadrian's wall) and best food (Stotties with pease pudding and ham). And as I discovered on a visit to a 16th century church, some very talented early copywriters. Whilst admiring the beautifully carved tomb of a Northumbrian knight I noticed two plaques commemorating the lives of a couple of locals. Here's how each described death. The first says " In the 71st year of his life on March 17th 1838 he suddenly exchanged mortality for life". The second reads " He fell asleep after an upright life of 99 years on the 12th November 1891."

There's a lot to discover in this undiscovered county. Not least a lesson in creative writing.