WE shared the news that a popular Tynedale bakery will be closing its doors at the end of the month.

Neale and Bridget Arnup, owners of Village Bakery in Bellingham, will be closing the doors of the much-loved family bakery after 52 years of business on December 23.

Here's how readers reacted.

Dave Boundy said: "Still fondly remember the early morning visits for a drunken pie fix back in 1999 when over playing cricket. Neale was busy baking and was always welcoming. The pastry crust was lush. Enjoy retirement Neale and Bridget."

Helen Bolton Hodgson said: "Enjoy your retirement," and Lorraine Christina Spark said: "Hardly any good bakeries now, shame as we used to rely on them at Christmas to order cakes, bread, pies. Enjoy your retirement, hang up your aprons, enjoy Christmas."

David Forster said: "No way, where will I go for my apple and raspberry tarts, always stopped there for a steak pie and a tart when up that way, hope you enjoy your retirement."

Lorna Beech added: "Happy early retirement Bridget and Neale. Enjoy," while many other readers including Diane McClarron Elliot, Ken Judith Anderson and Jane Coulson wished them the best for the future.

Collette Valks commented: "Happy retirement so sad to see you go," while Pamela Lawson said: "All the best to both of you but you will be a miss."