FESTIVE cheer is rife among the district's popular market stalls after a year which emphasised the importance of shopping local.

Hexham's market traders have been praised for their fortitude and tenacity as they fought off difficulty and disruption to continue trading all year.

The prominence of ‘shop local’ messages from local communities, councils and the Government has benefited independent businesses throughout the district.

The popular Hexham Farmers' Market events returned in June earlier this year and traders and shoppers have heaped praise on the organisers for adapting to create coronavirus social-distancing changes.

A statement from the farmers' market read: "We're ever so pleased to have been running every market since lockdown one and it's thanks to support from Hexham Abbey, the resilience of our local producers and above all, the fantastic response and support from all our customers, that we've been able to do so."

Northumberland Honey Co, from Haltwhistle, praised the market's support. A social media post said: "Thanks for all your support over this crazy year and for keeping the farmers market going, it has really been a lifeline to producers like us."

Shield Green Nurseries, in Hexham Market Place, experienced an increase in custom after quickly adapting to changing customer needs in the spring.

And the business has experienced further interest since launching its festive range, including handmade holly wreaths, Christmas gifts and accessories as well as the usual fare of eggs, plants and flowers.

Carol Allison, a familiar face at Hexham Market, where her fresh fruit and vegetable stall is popular with local people and visitors to the tow, also took to social media to express her thanks for the kindness shown during a challenging year.