IT has survived the devastating foot and mouth crisis, the recession and recent flooding, and is stronger than ever.

Northumbrian Saddlery has had to overcome many hurdles since its creation in 1981, but celebrated reaching its 25th birthday recently – even after a recent, unexpected relocation.

The firm was forced to move out of its base for the past two decades in Hexham’s Anick Road after the flooding of December completely ruined the wooden framed building.

Yet owner John Duddy had been through worse during his 25 years in business, and refused to let this latest disaster defeat him as he sought new premises at Vallum Farm, in East Wallhouses.

John said: “To have got through the Foot and Mouth disease in 2001 was a major achievement because I couldn’t go anywhere and nobody could come to me.

“Working with riding schools and farms is about 90 per cent of my business, so for nine months I had no business. To come back after that felt like an excellent achievement.

“Then the recession hit in 2008 and, because we are in the leisure industry, the first thing people stop when money is tight is their hobbies, so I felt that a bit. Luckily, I had enough experience and people supported me.

“In January, I had to move out of Hexham where I was happy for 20 years as the building was ruined by the floods, but I love it here.

“There’s a restaurant and ice cream parlour here, among other things, so I get a lot of passing trade I wouldn’t normally have got. It is in a great location too so I’m well placed to get in the van and cover all parts of Northumberland and Cumbria.”

John has a total of 38 years in the saddlery trade as he worked 13 years at Newcastle-based Bart J. Snowball.

When the firm was taken over by a London company in 1981, he and Geoff Brown decided to start Northumbrian Saddlery, originally based in Stamfordham.

They were persuaded to move to Hexham by John Hubbuck and they continued to thrive in the town. Their partnership ended when Geoff opted out during the foot and mouth crisis.

Since then, it’s been a one man band with John listing saddle fittings, handmade bridles and leather repair work as just some of the services he provides.