THERE can’t be many places in the modern world where a cobbled street leads to a cobbler’s workshop.

But it does in Hexham, where Derek Croasdale has been repairing the shoes of local people since 1977.

While many people wear, and dispose of, trainers and casual footwear, there remains a market for traditional repairs.

And the long-serving Hexham businessman is determined to keep the age-old trade alive by passing on his skills.

Now fully-reopened after the Covid-imposed lockdown, Derek has enjoyed welcoming back regular customers and other visitors.

“We’ve never known a time like this during my time in Hexham,” he said. “We’re still a long way from normal life because there are people who are vulnerable, who don’t yet feel comfortable leaving home and heading into town.

“It was a slow restart, but things are picking up again for us now, which is very encouraging.”

Society has changed from the heyday of cobbler’s, when industrial workers wore boots, while office staff and businessmen all chose dress shoes.

“There has been a slow decline in shoe repairs and the footwear industry,” he admitted. “A lot of people have been wearing trainers for decades, not so many people get dressed up any more.

“Fortunately there is still demand for my services, and I do all I can to pass down the knowledge and experience I have onto the next generation.”

Multi-skilled Derek is far from a one-trick pony. He can re-heel a boot with ease, or even make modifications to shoes where necessary.

But crucially, he’s able to offer other services, from key cutting, to the sale of sports trophies and engraving.

Derek has also done his best to support fund-raising campaigns over the years. One of the most memorable was back in 2005, when Ryton teacher Danny Smith vowed to avoid alcohol for a whole year.

Danny’s mission, known as ‘The Longest Year Project’ was to fund vital research into the muscle-wasting illness Duchenne muscular dystrophy, suffered by his young son Sam.

Derek was among the local businesses who promoted the campaign, with the sale of themed calendars in his shop.

In the face of adversity, Sam went on to represent England at the powerchair football world cup, and last year won gold representing England at the European Nations Cup in Finland, alongside fellow Tyne Valley player Ed Common.

Derek was also a keen supporter of the Tynedale Music Festival, which was a mainstay in the district until its untimely demise in 2019, after 115 years.

“I’ve always enjoyed being part of the community here,” said Derek, who is a familiar presence in and around the town centre.

A keen runner, he has competed in well over 20 Great North Run events since his debut in 1988.