Alan reveals his local 'hidden treasure'...

When he’s not on the airwaves, Alan is taking to the waves at West Strand Beach in Portrush.

“I love my secret hideaway - if you get there early on a summer’s day and grab a spot on the golden sands, you have shelter from the winds and are convenient to all your essentials including Teas ‘n’ Ices (hard to beat a ‘cuppa’ in a real mug on the sand!), a choice of fab restaurants and of course Barry’s Amusements!”

Through the ‘Hidden Treasures’ campaign, Translink and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) have been calling on the public to nominate Northern Ireland’s best kept secrets that can be accessed by bus or train - and Alan is one of the local celebrities who have been flying the flag for their area.

Ulster Rugby captain, Chris Henry, cited his hidden treasure in Portballintrae: “I have fond memories of Portballintrae from when I was younger. As a family we had lots of barbeques, went fishing and caught crabs at the small harbour - it still is the perfect place to switch off and relax.”

Nominations for the campaign have been flooding in from across Northern Ireland and Translink is encouraging the public to get on board and support their local area: “We have had fantastic feedback from the public with a wealth of nominations for gems across Northern Ireland but we are looking forward to getting even more,” said Translink’s Communications Manager, Lynda Shannon.

“It is our intention to end up with a guide to Northern Ireland’s gems and hotspots beyond the obvious attractions – from the natural beauty of a breathtaking view to the warmth and welcome of a little known caf.”

Nominating ‘Hidden Treasures’ in your area will not only help inject some pride into your local community but will put you in with a chance of winning one of six weekend breaks to anywhere in NI courtesy of NITB, along with one of 50 free iLink cards, entitling you to a day’s free travel on Translink Services in NI.”

To suggest a ‘Hidden Treasure’ in a town or village near you – simply log on to www.translink.co.uk/hiddentreasures or www.facebook.com/TranslinkNI and fill out the entry form or send your entry by post to: Translink’s Hidden Treasures, Morrow Communications, Hanwood House, Pavilions Office Park, Kinnegar Drive, Holywood, BT18 9JQ.