DURING the Second World War, around 3.5 million people – mostly children – were evacuated to safer places in the countryside.

One of them was Alan Foster, who moved from Fenham to Hexham. Alan, who was just five at the time, stayed with his mother, while his 13-year-old brother was shipped off alone to Alston.

The area clearly made a lasting impression on Alan, as more than 70 years later, he still calls the Tyne Valley home.

He recalled the first time he saw Hexham railway station, arriving with countless other children.

“I remember arriving at Hexham,” Alan said. “There were dozens of kids getting off. It was a bit frightening.

“I lived in Fenham, but it was close to Vickers, the munitions factory, so we were moved. It was scary. We were being bombed. People were killed on the West Road and on Matthew bank.

“There was a warmth here. I had a good feeling about this place. I get a gut feeling about things.

“We lived with two ladies at the end of Priestpopple, near the orchard.

“They were both doctors. I remember them being very nice, but I had to behave myself! I remember it being a big house.”

After the war, Alan completed his National Service and worked for British Home Stores as a buyer, where he became an expert in the art of retail.

In 1965, he married Norma James and moved to Wylam. From there, they set up the designer clothing store of the same name, which they ran successfully for more than four decades.

The couple lived in Riding Mill and Farnley, before moving to Hexham ten years ago.

He added: “This town deserves its title of happiest place to live in the country.

“We love it here. It’s so friendly.”