WHILE supermarkets struggled to keep their shelves stocked in the early days of the pandemic, small independent outlets proved a lifeline to many - particularly in rural communities.

The Hexham Courant launched a campaign in April with the aim of celebrating businesses going above and beyond, identifying their special efforts by crowing them Trader of the Week.

And this week, the bearers of the crown are John Clyde and Ildi Koncz, of West Woodburn Post Office and Village Store, as nominated by Kerry Rogerson.

Kerry said: “Since John and Ildi took over the shop a number of years ago, it has grown from strength to strength.

“They are a hugely valuable asset to the community here - nothing is a bother to them, they go above and beyond to offer a service.

“You can get anything you need in the shop at competitive prices, but with a personal touch. You can get anything from fresh fruit and vegetables to freshly baked bread, pies, pasta, flour and local cheeses, as well as all your daily staples - the list is endless!”

Kerry added: “Normally, they are open seven days a week, but they rely on passing trade so decided to open three days a week to protect the community and themselves.

“They offer a free delivery service for everyday they aren’t open, which has proved invaluable in this rural area.”

The couple took over the business in 2013, saving the village’s post office and shop from closure, and have worked around the clock to support residents of West Woodburn, East Woodburn and neighbouring Ridsdale.

And while coronavirus has forced a number of changes upon the business, including the installation of a perspex screen, it has also seen the arrival of a new delivery service, which is set to continue in the virus’ aftermath.

“It’s kept the shop going," said John. “Though demand is less than what it was earlier, a third of the shop is coming from deliveries.

“The road trade disappeared over night, but is coming back slowly. We’ve stopped buying confectionary, but have sold more fruit and veg.”

John, who estimated that between 80 to 100 customers would usually pass through the store’s doors each day, added: “It’s been a struggle for all business, but we’ve managed. We’re not open as many hours, but we’re still working a full week.

“We don’t know what’s going to happen from one week to the next, but we just have to survive this epidemic and keep going so that we have a business and the village has a shop.

“We’ve got a lot of elderly round here, who feel quite vulnerable, but we’ve got a good community. It didn’t take much to get people looking after each other.”

John and Ildi hope to develop the shop’s online presence moving forward, providing customers the opportunity to view products available in-store from home. Orders can be made to (01434) 270062 or westwoodburnshop@gmail.com.

Nominate your Trader of the Week here.