We've rounded up the 5 most read stories on the Hexham Courant website this week.

1)  Croft and Graves Optometrist hit out as thieves target practice

A TYNEDALE optometrist has hit out after thieves targeted the practice.

Nicolle Croft, co-owner and practice & business development manager at Croft and Graves Optometrists, said a £270 pair of Tom Ford frames were taken from their shop on Friday (November 12) at around 2.45pm.

2) Nursing staff makes Dorothy's 100th Birthday a day to remember

Dorothy Gardiner is a resident at Lowgate Care Home in Allendale, Hexham. She now lives a quieter life with but staff at the nursing home wanted to celebrate her 100th in style and with help from the community. Activities co-ordinator Kim Miller was behind the idea.

3) Magical Christmas markets in Northumberland that are too good to miss

There’s no better way to get you in a festive mood than by visiting a Christmas market and, following a hiatus due to the pandemic, those in the Tyne Valley and surrounding area are back in force. Here’s our pick of where to find those quaint and quirky gifts that you won’t get elsewhere, plus what to expect at the jewel in the crown – Hexham Christmas Market.

4) The Chase's Paul Sinha on preparing his stand up gig in Hexham

The show is part of his ‘Hazy little thing called love’ tour which was originally put on hold during the pandemic. Paul’s final stop on his tour will be the Queens Hall Arts Centre.

5) Man dies after A69 crash near Haltwhistle

At 3.21am on Monday 15 November, police received a report of a collision involving a car and a heavy goods vehicle on the A69 near Haltwhistle.

For reasons to be established, police say, a grey Ford Fiesta collided with a truck that was travelling in the opposite direction.