Thanks everyone.
I know the area very well from a non-flying point of view as I have lived there for most of my life (30+ years) before moving 'south' ten years ago. I've just never flown in the area so flying into Newcastle is another 'something I'd love to do one day' thing!!
Helimutt: I know all the places you mentioned and agree with you 'up-north' certainly doesn't mean grim:-)
Cheers
Az