A VITAL community hub has remained open despite having to replace its entire floor.

Claire’s Newsagents and Convenience Store in Haydon Bridge has undergone a major upheaval in recent weeks.

But the popular shop, on Church Street, which has provided such an essential service for many residents during the coronavirus pandemic, has managed to stay open while the work is carried out.

"It's been hectic," said Claire Marshall, who runs the store with the support of her mum Jackie, as well as other family members, and long-serving shop assistant Freda Reed.

"We've had to move things around to get the floor replaced, but it was either that or close for three weeks.

"Obviously that's the last thing we wanted. The people of the village have been great throughout the pandemic and we have done all we can to provide them with their daily essentials."

The floor replacement operation at Claire's was made possible thanks to an earlier extension, when the Marshalls turned the shop from a traditional newsagents into a wider-ranging store, after taking over the reins 14 years ago.

The neighbouring former bank, occupied for many years by Midland and HSBC, is now part of the store, which means there are two entrance doors providing access from Church Street.

Claire and her team cleared one half of the shop, keeping the other half open while part one of the floor replacement project was carried out, and are now in the process of the second phase.

"People have been very understanding," said Claire. "Working with half capacity we've been able to maintain Covid safety measures and continue to serve the community. I really want to thank everyone for their continued support.

"It's just one of those things that after so many years, the floor needed to be replaced."

The business continues to provide deliveries for customers who need them, after investing in a delivery vehicle early in the pandemic last year.

Further developments are set to follow, with improvements to accessibility for wheelchairs, prams, pushchairs and walking frames in the pipeline.

The shop has been a success story for Claire and her family. They moved into the store following the retirement of long-serving newsagents John and Maureen Clark, around 2007.

While it was already known for selling a wide range of products, from children's fishing nets to stationary equipment, the Marshalls extended it to become a convenience store, offering a range of household goods, as well as a newsagent.

The store was once part of the Mace chain of convenience stores, but is now entirely independent. Claire revealed last summer that the family was looking to sell the business. They are still keen to hear from any interested parties.