HEXHAM Farmers' Market is to close until further notice to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

The directors of Hexham Farmers’ Market announced this week that they had decided to stop the market for the time being. 

In a statement, they said that although government guidance allows market stalls selling essentials like food to continue, "we do not feel we can do so in a manner which keeps both our customers and stallholders safe."

"It would be extremely difficult, if not impossible to ensure appropriate social distancing on the Market Place, or to restrict access to customers," the statement added.

The directors are currently investigating the possibility of setting up a 'click and collect' system for produce, and said they would report on any progress over the coming days.