A SMALL Tynedale village will be thriving with the advent of new businesses.

Five businesses are set to open, or have already recently opened, in the same unit in Mickley, breathing new life into the village off the popular A695 connecting road from Prudhoe to Stocksfield.

Artist Yvonne Bentley, who hit the headlines when her artwork of hit BBC series Peaky Blinders was chosen to promote the show, will open her first art studio from Monday.

She is not the only new venture opening in the same location, with Community Buddies care cafe having recently taken over the former Jiggery Pokery/Elisa Tea Room site, and an artisan food/bakers opening this week.

In addition, a bespoke jewellery business and ice cream shop is set to open in the very near future.

The new businesses will complement the popular hairdressing salon and a card making business already well-established at the site.

Yvonne said: “I think this is really positive news for the village, and it will provide a big boost.

“It’s great that after the lockdown that so many businesses want to start up, and all in the same place.

“My personal story is that I was made redundant from retail during the pandemic after working for Edinburgh Woollen Mill for 30 years, and it gave me an opportunity to follow my dream of opening my own art gallery and studio.

“It’s a place where I can see my original paintings, but I will also be selling my prints on mugs, cushions and cards.

“I have had lots of positive feedback about the move on my Facebook page, and there will be a lot of footfall for the businesses as it is a busy road and the hairdressers is really busy too.”