With iconic Northumberland rocks and fossils to choose from including dolerite, granite, coal, sandstone, anthracosaurus (aka the coal lizard) and coral, it was always going to be interesting to see which ones were selected - and now, the votes have been counted and the wait is over.

The public’s favourite rock is the 250 year old dolerite of the Whin Sill which came ahead of the other rocks up for the votes. This iconic rock is literally the bedrock of the most dramatic and famous Northumberland locations: Hadrian’s Wall, Bamburgh Castle and the Farne Islands. Game of Throne fans will also be happy as the Whin Sill was a major inspiration for the series.

The county fossil voted for is crinoids. With remains all over the county, but especially at the coast, they are the fossils of an animal called a sea lily, a relative of modern star fish and sea urchins, that lived in warm coral seas 320 million years ago when Northumberland almost on the Equator.

Crinoids did especially well seeing off the expected favourite anthracosaurus aka the ‘coal lizard’ - a vicious swamp dwelling predator.

Ian Jackson, geologist and former Northumberland Wildlife Trust trustee says:

“Rocks are literally the bedrock of the world’s heritage, economy and tourism, rocks and have lots to tell scientists about things that are happening to landscapes as the world’s climate continues to change.

“As organisers, we wanted to raise the profile of Northumberland and its rocks. Our county owes much to its rocks than other areas in the UK including heritage, economy and tourism. These rocks also have a lot to tell scientists about things that are happening to landscapes as the world’s climate continues to change.

“I hope people will pull on their boots and go and search these rocks and fossils out for themselves. Exploring rocks and fossils means you not only get to travel across the countryside, you get to be a time traveller too… and you don’t need a Tardis.”

Mike Pratt, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Chief Executive of says:

“Rocks and fossils are a great way of engaging people with nature and getting them in the countryside to enjoy and experience nature and the landscape. Ultimately, we believe that the more people who really connect with nature, the more they’ll act to protect it.”

Where to see the County rock dolerite:

Hadrian’s Wall. Anywhere between Walltown and Limestone Corner members of the public will be able to see the best features of the Whin Sill close up especially why its hardness makes it stand out in the landscape as a high cliff.

Where to see the County fossil crinoids:

In the rocks and foreshore along the coast from Howick to Berwick. In some instances they resemble beads, hence their nickname St Cuthbert’s beads.

Anybody wishing to find out more about the range of rocks the county has to offer can visit www.nwt.org.uk/50th-anniversary/rock-festival