TWO newsagents are continuing to serve the Tyne Valley almost a century after they originally opened their doors.

Cookes News and Peggs News have been at the heart of Hexham town centre for generations.

And while they were originally independent businesses, they have working in tandem since the 1990s.

Director Ian Hunter took over Cookes, in Meal Market, back in 1994, and got the keys for Peggs, on Priestpopple, four years later.

He said: “The names have remained the same because they are very historic names in Hexham, dating back probably to the 1920s.”

Despite the challenges posed to the economy during the coronavirus pandemic, Ian’s two shops have remained open throughout, with manager Edd Green supported by a dozen dedicated members of staff.

What’s more, Cookes and Peggs have a team of over 40 deliverers, who ensure customers in Hexham and Acomb receive their newspapers and magazines.

“We are the only independent newsagents left in Hexham,” said Ian. “A lot has changed over the years and there used to be several in the town.

“I would like to thank all of our loyal customers for supporting us during these unprecedented times.

“Great thanks go to our staff and newspaper deliverers who keep us open seven days a week, providing an invaluable service for the area.”

While both Cookes and Peggs offer a wide range of newspapers and magazines, there’s much more in store. Both shops are off-licences, there’s no shortage of confectionary, while there are pay point facilities and various useful and handy products, such as stationary.

Ian added: “It’s everything you’d expect at a newsagents. We also offer a few Christmas goodies which might help people doing their festive shopping this year.

“We’re proud to be the prime delivery partner for the Hexham Courant in the Hexham area.

“Even in this technological age, the Courant continues to be the main source of local news and people still want to receive a physical newspaper. People don’t just read things online. We have a great selection of specialist magazines and there is demand for them.”

Ian acknowledged that the past seven months had been challenging for all businesses in Hexham, across the Tyne Valley and beyond.

He added: “I think traders have done exceptionally well this year. My best wishes go to everyone and hopefully we’ll have all businesses back up and running as soon as possible.”