Ribbon cut for new village green

The green could play host to any passing Morris dancers

The first new village green to be created for more than 50 years is being opened in Northumberland.

The tiny hilltop hamlet of Holburn, which has just 10 households, has been given the half-acre by Lord Vinson.

The peer donated the land after selling a family farm and enabled it to be turned into a green by changing the law through an amendment in Parliament.

Near Berwick-upon-Tweed, he says it is "the most beautiful place on earth" with its view to the Cheviot hills.

'Creating communities'

There has been local demand for a green space for visiting Morris dancers and as a site to hold village parties.

Lord Vinson said: "It's a very small place, but all towns and villages started from being very small places. They are a community.

"One of the great things about creating communities is to have something in common, where you share with your neighbour and there's nothing like a village green to get everybody together."