OUTDOOR enthusiasts heading to the upper dale can be assured of a warm and knowledgable welcome thanks to Kathy McGough.
Ms McGough is the new visitor services assistant at the Bowlees Visitor Centre, run by the North Pennines AONB Partnership, where she will be providing advice and tips to some of the thousands of tourists who will head to the area during the summer.
Originally from County Durham, she moved to Middleton-in-Teesdale from Exeter three years ago, having combined her love of conservation and the natural world while working for the Devon Wildlife Trust.
“I have always loved this area. I used to come here as a child,” she said.
“Having moved back, when this job came up I thought I have got to go for it.”
Ms McGough, who returned to university later in life and graduated with a degree and masters in marine biology, is preparing for a busy summer as many people choose a “staycation” holiday.
“It’s going to be great. Obviously things are different, so we have to make sure we all abide by the advice to keep everybody safe.
“I am expecting it to be busy. It will be great for people to get out and enjoy themselves.”
