Vera's Brenda Blethyn, who has played the character of Vera Stanhope in the ITV drama for 14 series, announced she will leave the role this summer after filming her last scenes.

This will also be the show's final season. Brenda, 78, will film two 120-minute episodes for the 14th and last series

After hearing this news, we decided to look back in fondness of when Vera visited Hexham and surrounding areas over the years.

In 2015, the hit show‘s production team, was in the North Tyne village of Barrasford for two days ahead of series six.

While there, Brenda and ex-EastEnders star Tanya Franks filmed in the home of local doctors Sarah Metcalf and Rob Williams.

Hexham Courant: Filming for ITV's Vera continues at The Gun Inn pub at Ridsdale in 2016 Filming for ITV's Vera continues at The Gun Inn pub at Ridsdale in 2016 (Image: NQ) Filming for ITV's Vera continues at The Gun Inn pub at Ridsdale in 2016.

The Gun Inn pub in Ridsdale became a filming set for the cast and crew, who began filming for episode four of the seventh season.

“When we were approached by a representative of Tyne Tees to ask if the pub could be used as a location we were over the moon, as we know how much Vera has brought to Northumberland.

“We closed during the day to allow them to film and when we opened in the evening it was a real talking point and everyone wanted to know what had happened.

“But many of the locals had been out during the day to see what was happening, local children were especially intrigued and were taking pictures with the Land Rover that Brenda Blethyn drives in the programme.

“The whole cast and people who worked behind the scenes were lovely and very courteous, taking the time to speak to the locals and making sure they were OK to park on the main street.

“It’s exciting for the whole area and the pub, and it will be great to see the area on TV!”

Hexham Courant: Northumberland's favourite detective was spotted in Blanchland in 2018Northumberland's favourite detective was spotted in Blanchland in 2018 (Image: NQ)Around 200 cast and crew were in Blanchland village in 2018,  to film scenes at the Abbey  and the converted post office.

Hexham Courant: Vera filming in Hexham in 2022Vera filming in Hexham in 2022 (Image: Carmen Medina-Goodwin.)Hexham welcomed Vera back in 2021, when the crew recording on the town's Tyne Green and St Mary's Chare.  She was also spotted in Corbridge. 

Hexham Courant: Vera spotted in Corbridge in 2021Vera spotted in Corbridge in 2021 (Image: Claire Frazer)

In 2022, North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team had their own cameo!

Hexham Courant: CAMEO: North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team was cast in a 2022 episodeCAMEO: North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team was cast in a 2022 episode (Image: NQ)One thing we always loved about Brenda Blethyn was  when she was not busy filming - she always took time out to say hello to fans, both human and pets.

Hexham Courant: DCI Vera Stanhope with Taj, the Cocker Spaniel, in HexhamDCI Vera Stanhope with Taj, the Cocker Spaniel, in Hexham (Image: NQ)