PRUDHOE turned purple this week as part of the UK’s first ever accessible shopping day.

Purple Tuesday, created by Essex-based disability organisation Purple, sees shops make an extra effort to welcome customers with disabilities.

Several shops on Front Street in Prudhoe dressed their windows with purple displays to mark the occasion.

Purple Tuesday in the town was organised by Prudhoe Community Partnership, which also awarded a £100 prize to Just To Say card shop for having the best dressed purple shop front.

Kate Stanforth, a Partnership trustee who led the initiative, said: “We are delighted at the turn out which show shops are backing the project.

“When I am out in my wheelchair, I know it can be difficult to get over the front step unless the shop has a ramp.”

Prudhoe shops involved in the national day included Elizabeth Evans Opticians, Tyne Valley TV, Bed and Chair Centre, Wades Opticians, Ready Steady Knit, Ginevra’ Coffee Bar, Balls Fish and Chip Restaurant, the Co operative, Gilmour Estates, Prudhoe Library and the Relate charity shop.

Councillor Gordon Stewart for Prudhoe South said: “I’m really pleased that the retail community in Prudhoe is getting involved in this brilliant campaign.

“It’s really important that local retail organisations come together as well as national businesses to make shopping enjoyable and accessible for everyone.”

The Purple Tuesday campaign, which is endorsed by the Department for Work and Pensions, was established to recognise the importance and needs of disabled customers, highlight the difficulties they face and measures that can be put in place to overcome them.

Shoppers were also encouraged to show their support for the campaign by visiting their local shopping centre or high street.