While New Year's celebrations may be a little different this year, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the occasion - in a Covid safe way.

Whether you'll be getting an early night and longing for the end of 2020 and its successive lockdowns or you'll be toasting past midnight to a healthy, happy 2021, we all have to eat.

And the Hexham Courant's online readers have now shared their favourite businesses' in the Tyne Valley for sweet treats and savoury snacks.

ELS BAKING BIBLE

Mark Winter, Grace Betty Harmer and Sophie Davidson all said they'd be looking to get their foody fix from Haydon Bridge baker Eleanor Donkin.

Just this year, the Hexham Dental Clinic nurse took her business to the next level - the roads - having bought and revamped a hut to sell her goods from.

And while most businesses have taken a hit during the Covid-19 outbreak, there has never been such demand for chocolate pick-me-ups. Eleanor's post box brownies were even requested from as far away as Dubai!

Els Baking Bible recently joined forces with Pans Pantry, based out of Hexham, which offers increasingly popular grazing boxes, and moving forward, the small, independents plan to do grazing tables for functions together - Government restrictions permitting.

PANS PANTRY BY RHIANNON'S KITCHEN

Jodie Waugh and Fiona Walker both delighted in having received one of the company's mouth-watering cheese, meat and fruit boxes on Christmas Eve, and Joanne Davidson, Mark Winter, Lucie Armstrong, Charlotte Douglas and Sophie Davidson all had their hopes high for New Year.

BREW BAR

Haltwhistle’s Brew Bar has gone from strength to strength since opening in December 2018, and the business on Market Place has had a fresh appeal with locals this year thanks to its new and improved outside seating area, fresh food and takeaway service.

The bar, run by Ashleigh and Sam Jackson, brings an alternative food choice to the town, with the menu promising an around-the-world twist, including sandwiches, sides or special breakfasts - all at bargain prices!

And while lockdown may have stopped customers visiting in person, the Brew Bar experience was brought to countless Tynedale homes as staff operated a delivery service, with their handmade pizzas going down a treat.

Ginge Richardson and Ashleigh Jackson were both keen to shout about the business on social media.