It seems only fitting given my previous blog posts about the beautiful countryside in Rothbury, to pay my respects to a very brave and well respected man from my home town. I awoke this morning to the incredibly sad news of the death of PC David Rathband, the police officer left for dead by gunman Raoul Moat in July 2010.

I never had the pleasure of meeting him myself, but have friends who knew him well and they speak very highly of him not only as a police officer, but as a genuine person. I’m sure he will be remembered for his outstanding bravery, courage and determination in the face of adversity and my heart and thoughts go out to his family, friends and colleagues at this extremely sad time.