A LONG-established Northumberland photography shop has a new home in the Tyne Valley.

Stait Photography was established in Morpeth in 1953, and opened a Hexham branch on Back Street six years ago.

Now, the business has moved onto Cattle Market, taking the empty space previously operated by Molly Moo’s cafe.

Owner Ken Stait felt it was the right move at the right time.

He said: “We were on Back Street for six years, but we needed to make a decision.

“Alan Mason, my store manager, has got a really good connection with customers and 25 years experience, so we felt we had a good business to move out to a more central site.

“There’s a lot of shops available in Hexham at the moment.

“We felt it would be a good thing to get somewhere with a bit more footfall.”

Work was carried out during lockdown and the new store opened for business last Monday, following the relaxation of lockdown restrictions.

Ken added that business at the new store has already been good.

He continued: “It’s been really good. A lot of people have wanted to get out and support the small businesses.

“Hexham’s a great place to have a business, the customers are really really good, everyone is very loyal and supportive.

“I’ve got a really good feeling that people are happy to be out and shopping safely, and wanting to support the small businesses that have been closed for so long.”