HEXHAM was in the national spotlight as ITV presenter Andi Peters interviewed residents and business owners about why the town is one of the 'happiest places to live'.

In a boost to local businesses around Hexham Andi toured around the town and made a total of six live broadcasts this morning (Wednesday, January 17) to be featured in the Good Morning Britain’s ‘Banish the January Blues’ fortnight series.

Hexham was selected by the ITV production team because it has twice been found to be the happiest place to live in Britain in Rightmove’s annual survey. 

Yesterday's national TV coverage was seen by locals as a great boost for Hexham which has recently featured in the latest series of  popular crime drama Vera.

The booming town has had several new additions added to the High Street including Muro Lounge.

Hexham Courant: Andi filming at the Beaumont HotelAndi filming at the Beaumont Hotel (Image: HCP)

At 7am, the Beaumont Hotel was featured as Andi and the team stayed at the hotel the night before and enjoyed dinner there.

Then it was on to Moira and Jamie Harwood from Hexham’s new Snap! vinyl store, jewellery designer Sarah Hickey, Lindsey Birney from Mr Wolf toy shop, Matty Stokoe from Elev8 Records and Sarah Robinson-Gay from The Candlemakers who all took part in the later live broadcasts from the Beaumont.  Sarah Hickey said, “It was a really fun way to start the day and the Beaumont made a great backdrop for the interviews.”

Linsey Birney adds, “What an exciting morning! The crew were all lovely and Andi Peters helped to put everyone at ease.”

Hexham Courant: Andi outside Market Place Coffee Andi outside Market Place Coffee (Image: HCP)
The crew then enjoyed drinks to keep them warm from Marketplace Coffee and spoke to Steven Dunn, who has run Shield Green Nurseries with his wife, Cath, at The Shambles for many years about why Hexham is such a happy spot.   

Hexham Courant: Andi interviewing Steven Dunn from Shield Green NurseriesAndi interviewing Steven Dunn from Shield Green Nurseries (Image: HCP)
The crew later moved to a location in front of Hexham House and spoke to Janie French from Hexham Community Partnership and Visit Hexham.

Janie French said, “Andi had to wind up the broadcast quickly, but I was able to have a quick rave about what a great market town Hexham is and how lucky we are to have Hadrian’s Wall and glorious countryside on our doorsteps.”

 “We were really blessed with the weather as it was frosty with blue skies above and Hexham looked its beautiful best.

"Andi's visit was a wonderful opportunity to show Hexham off to a national TV audience as Lorraine Kelly's ITV programme alone attracts 1.2 million viewers.”