A couple are delighted to be expanding the business they started at the end of the pandemic.

Sue Bell and her long-term partner Thomas Stephenson have been looking back on the success of their catering business and new van.

The extra expansion is a part of Thomas's business that he started 16 years ago.

Tom, from Haydon Bridge, owns the butchers shop in Haydon Bridge and about 18 months ago Sue joined him on a new venture.

"I was a research nurse at Hexham General until 18 months ago," said Sue, originally from Yorkshire but who has lived in Tyne Valley since 1993.

"I was looking for a change of career and I had always been interested in event organising and running my own business.

"It was Tom's idea for the van. He wanted the trailer and it has been an amazing asset..

"So joining Tom and expanding the business has been a great opportunity."

Throughout the year, Sue and Tom have attended and catered numerous events.Hexham Courant:

Sue added: "We have a tableware hire business too, so can provide a full service to weddings and parties.

"We cover all types of events such as weddings, farm open days, shows, sports events and birthdays.

"We love attending them all but my favourite in particular are the farm open days, I meet local farmers and learn about many rural issues or just admire the size and cost of new tractors."

Sue said: "The main plan is to keep developing the wedding and events side of the business and to continue to provide high-quality local meats from our butchers shop.

"The only concern we have is the rise in cost of raw ingredients, meaning that we are having to look closely at pricing for this coming year."

Hexham Courant: