A TYNE VALLEY gift shop has raised over £5,000 for the NHS.

Despite shutting their Corbridge shop in March, For the Love of the North owners Paul and Lucy Hull and a team of talented regional artists have been keeping busy.

Having received a request from a customer for a ‘keep calm and carry on’ style print, Whitley Bay artist Lisa Kirkbride created the ‘love will get us through’ series.

The prints are inspired by hope, solidarity and the beauty of the North-East, and all include the rainbow motive.

25 per cent of sales have been donated to the Northumbria NHS Trust’s Bright charity to support patients, staff and projects across Northumberland and North Tyneside.

The charity was flagged up to the couple by Lucy’s friend, who is a doctor.

“We thought we might sell 20 or 30, but a part of the North-East has gone far and wide. It’s felt like we’ve been part of people’s lockdown stories”, said Paul.

“People have been so kind to support us, we wanted to give back and do our bit.

He added: “We are bowled over and just very grateful. It’s kept us afloat as a small business and we are now making small steps to reopening safely and properly, hopefully in the next few weeks."

Visit www.fortheloveofthenorth.