Details of an ambitious historical project for Berwick and north Northumberland is being unveiled on Monday.

The year-long event is to mark the 400th anniversary of the royal union of England and Scotland in 1603.

There will be pageantry to mark the day when Berwick became the first English town to greet James VI of Scotland on his way to being crowned James 1 of England.

The union of the crowns helped secure a lasting peace between the two nations after centuries of brutal cross-border warfare.

'Economic boost'

It also paved the way for the union of the two parliaments in 1707.

The Union of the Crowns programme of events begins in April will include processions, pageantry and re-enactments.

Lord Joicey is president of the Friends of Berwick and District Museum and Archives.

He said: "When James VI of Scotland inherited the throne of England on the death of Queen Elizabeth I in 1603, the term Great Britain came into being.

"Coverage of the anniversary will result in an increased awareness of north Northumberland and the town of Berwick in particular.

"The potential benefits for the local economy are considerable."