Former US president Jimmy Carter's visit to Tynedale

Jimmy Carter, who is both the oldest living former US president and the longest-living president in US history, watched the West Tyne League cricket match between Humshaugh and Wylam Second XI's on July 4 1987 during a trip to the Tyne Valley.

Mr Carter was in office from January 20 1977 to January 20 1981, as the 39th president of the United States. He will be 100 years old on October 1.

During his visit to the Tyne Valley, the former president was staying with his friend Tony Coates and his family in Riding Mill. 

The ex-president fondly remembered how he and his wife Rosalynn enjoyed spending time with the couple, and the Coates’ daughters Amy and Charlotte.

READ MORE: Riding Mill man was a ‘true gentleman’

Tony even took the former US leader for a three-and-a-half mile run, taking in Riding Mill and surrounding countryside.

The president's visit also involved watching a cricket match at Humshaugh Cricket Club. Mr Carter dropped in unexpectedly, as he was on his way to see Hadrian's Wall when his motorcade sped through the outskirts of Chollerford.

He spotted the cricket match and decided to watch some of the game on the way back.

Humshaugh umpire David Smedley was umpiring when the Carter entourage arrived in full force.

David said: "There were cars with lights flashing, police outriders, and people leaping out all over the place. It was amazing. We had no idea what all the fuss was about."    

Mr Carter spent half an hour shaking hands with spectators at the game and asking about the rules of cricket.

"He was very friendly and wanted to know how many strikes the batsman was allowed. 

"Mr Carter even took a walk round the ground with a couple of his bodyguards and no one complained when he walked behind the bowler's arm. It was a little bit of history being made since he'd never seen a cricket match before."

The president missed a good finish, with Wylam scoring 108 and Humshaugh scoring 109-5 with one over to spare.