Hadrian's Wall volunteer guides praised

Volunteer co-ordinator for Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd, Kerry Shaw, said: "I am absolutely delighted with the volunteer guides and all that they have achieved so far.

They are a very dedicated bunch and a pleasure to work with. Their knowledge and confidence has grown over the last few months and the feedback from the site staff and our visitors has been nothing but praise."

Around 20 local people have been trained as tour guides at six of the Roman attractions sites, which include Vindolanda Roman Fort at Bardon Mill and the Roman Army Museum at Greenhead.

Each of the volunteer guides went on a 16-week professional guiding training course, which included lessons in Roman history. Volunteer Ken Hutchinson, 57, said: "It's been such a rewarding experience. Many visitors live in the local area and want to find out more about the history and heritage on their doorsteps, and that's been wonderful."

More than £49,000 was secured from the Your Heritage grant scheme for the two-year voluntary programme, in conjunction with Tyne & Wear Archives and Museums, The Vindolanda Trust and the Senhouse Trust.

Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in the North East, Ivor Crowther, said: "We have such a wealth of history in the North East, and volunteer tour guides are a great way to show that to visitors and locals alike. Heritage is not just about restoring historical places - it is also about people.

"By helping to provide training schemes and volunteering opportunities we can ensure that these fascinating stories live on."

The tours will continue during the October half term holidays, Easter 2010 and summer 2010. For more information about the Hadrian's Frontier Volunteer Heritage Guides project, contact volunteer co-ordinator Kerry Shaw at Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd on (01434) 609700 or email kerry.shaw@hadrianswallheritage.co.uk