A tea room in the region has paid tribute to the support it has received over the last 18 months.

House of Meg Tearooms, in Gilsland, has seen a number of loyal customers continue to visit the location during the course of the coronavirus pandemic.

Andi Keen, the businesses owner, explained how the tearoom has become a long standing location within the village.

"I have had House of Meg tea rooms for 14 years," said Andi.

"It's on the border between Cumbria and Northumberland but we have a lot of people from the Northumberland side coming in.

"We do baguettes, pannines, sandwiches, teas, coffees and homemade cakes. We also offer afternoon teas and we do takeaway afternoon teas.

"We have done a lot of them during lockdown and did quite a lot at mothers day and we still get a lot (of orders) now.

"At the moment we are open for people to sit inside as well as out."

Andi went on to explain how the business has adapted over the course of the coronavirus pandemic and added that he's been delighted to see a number of loyal customers continue to visit the tearoom.

"Last year we closed in March like everyone else did," added Andi.

"We re-opened in June and then closed again in December.

"It wasn't the best but everyone came back and we had a lot of loyal customers who came back. The community is really good.

"They seemed to support us really well with takeaway items. Since we reopened it has been really busy. We have had quite a lot of support from the local schools - especially Greenhead. We have done a few afternoon teas for them and sandwiches and paninis for lunch.

"We're doing quite well at the minute. There's a lot of walkers about and a lot of tourists and people coming back to see I'm still here!

"It was hard closing and not knowing when we were going to reopen and it was tough but we're still here and still going strong.

"It's all homemade scones and cakes and we've done a few birthday cakes as well. We have people who order homemade scones - two people have just been in and ordered for their own little tea party at home.

"I would just like to say thank you to everyone who has supported us especially during COVID. A lot of people have been sending out support and saying when we reopen we'll definitely be back.

House of Meg is open everyday except Wednesday between 10am-3pm.