HUSBAND and wife retirees are 'thankful for the well-wishes' from the local community and friends as they celebrate opening their new business.

RAF retiree Lisa and firefighter retiree Dicky Noble, 52, who has lived in Haltwhistle for 10 years, are thankful for the 'community spirit' as they open their new electric and DIY store in Haltwhistle, which was previously called 'Centre of Britain Electrix' on Westgate.

The pair were given the opportunity of buying the business from the previous owner of Centre of Britain Electrix, Richard Skeet, who ran it for 30 years, when he decided this year was the right time to retire.

After becoming the official owners of the electric store business, the couple jumped at the opportunity to get to work to make the business their own, which they did - but they also wanted to keep a few things the same.

Lisa, 51, originally from Hartlepool said: "We wanted to work together and for ourselves and the opportunity to buy an existing and highly respected business presented itself to us and we thought we would give it a go."

"So we have revamped the shop giving it a traditional rustic look and are stocking some new lines in both the hardware DIY and electrical departments.

"Just a reminder for any customers that our telephone number remains the same.

"We hope to carry on Richard Skeet's exemplary customer service and offer a wide range of products at competitive prices, just like Richard did."

"We will also run the shop along with our second-hand furniture and house clearance business."

The official opening of the shop under the new owners was on April 19. The business also has a new name: ‘Westgate Hardware DIY & Electrical’.

Speaking about the opening day, Lisa said: "The opening day went really well, we saw a lot of happy customers and we have received lots of lovely well-wishers from the local community."

"We would just like to say, thank you to all who have supported us so far.

"It is greatly appreciated!"