An art gallery is helping small businesses to flourish in Northumberland.

The Allendale Forge Studios and Gallery, located in the village of Allendale, is a hub of social enterprise, aiming to champion and aid the growth of local rural businesses.

Run entirely by volunteers, the Forge operates as a community interest company.

The facilities offered by the Forge range from studio spaces, a shop that enables artists, craft designers and makers to sell their designs, and a dedicated area for community gatherings and workshops.

The ten studios are occupied by artists and small businesses, who all reap the benefits of a creative community and the assistance of volunteer staff.

The Forge maintains a focus on art, education, creative businesses and community networking.

Volunteers at the Forge take on supporting and mentoring roles, aiming to break down barriers that prevent aspiring artists from achieving commercial success.

Two businesses that were nurtured at the Forge, LollaMac and Debbi’s Doodles, have recently expanded and now operate from commercial facilities in Hexham.

LollaMac, a brand specialising in hand-crafted jewellery, spent a considerable amount of time at the Forge developing designs and honing the crafting process.

While working at the Forge, LollaMac focused on expanding its online presence.

Debbi’s Doodles, a creative space tailored to children, was created by a woman with no prior business experience.

Debbi from Debbi's Doodles said: "The Forge gave me opportunities to work with groups that I wouldn’t have had access to without being based at the Forge.

"The funded holiday clubs allowed me to experiment and try ideas without the fear of failure.

"Overall, they just provided a family environment and helped with the questions I had about business, things like council tax and completing forms.

"The Forge have been generally wonderful."

The Allendale Forge Studios and Gallery continue to welcome and encourage budding entrepreneurs and artists.

For those interested in discovering more about the work done at the Forge, contact the gallery on 01434 683975, or visit it in the Market Place in Allendale Town, near Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 9BD.