THE coronavirus pandemic has been particularly tough on the nation's charities.

Social distancing measures mean it is almost impossible for many to hold fund-raising events, while the crisis has also forced many people to tighten the purse strings, which has seen donations fall.

With that in mind, charities of all sizes need all the help they can get - and two Hexham youngsters have been doing their bit, after they used their baking skills to raise more than £100 for a North-East animal charity.

The Hexham Courant launched its bouquet of the week appeal in April to recognise the work of special citizens across the Tyne Valley.

This week, the title goes to Beth Mason and Ava Nattrass, after they raised £101 for Farplace Animal Rescue by selling their own homemade baked goods on Tyne Green.

Beth's mum, Jude Burney, spoke of her pride in the two 12-year-olds.

She said: "I'm very proud. Beth and her friend are both just 12, and they just had the idea. It was all their own work.

"They organised it themselves and made all the cakes, biscuits, and drinks themselves and made posters to put around and advertise it.

"We also advertised it on Facebook.

"We went down to Tyne Green and they were there for about five hours. People came down and supported them, it was lovely."

Farplace Animal Rescue started out life in 2002, when the founders started out taking animals at their home in Weardale.

In 2008, the rescue was registered as a charity and have grown ever since. The charity now operates two shops in Hexham - one on Battle Hill and one on Cattle Market.

Beth explained why she and Ava decided to donate the money to Farplace.

She said: "I guess it was because it's quite a new charity to Hexham and we really like animals, both of us.

"I have a hamster and two fish - and we're currently hamster-sitting for one of my friends.

"It was quite busy. We baked a few things each - I did biscuits and Ava made fudge. I think people enjoyed it.

"The man in the shop was really happy when we handed over the money."

Jude explained that Beth has always loved baking.

She continued: "She bakes an awful lot! I don't know what got her into it, she saw it on TV programs and things.

"She's always in the cupboard looking for things to make when she comes back from school. She likes making biscuits."

Farplace Animal Rescue provides a home for up to 300 animals, most of which are helped to find a home. They specialise in providing a home for difficult cases, including feral cats. They need support with running costs and vet bills