Christmas charity events in Tynedale over the years

With that in mind, we took a look back at the times Tynedale came together to support those in need during the most wonderful time of the year.

Cllr Johnson, Cycling Without Age's Chris Barrett and Santa (Image: Wilton Holmes)

In 2021, West Wylam Prudhoe turned on the community Christmas lights in memory of former Highfield Middle School pupil Emily Rudsdale, who died after a brave battle with an extremely rare form of cancer in October 2020.

Members of the Prudhoe community came together to turn on the area's new Christmas lights provided by Prudhoe Town Council, and there were also stalls and schoolchildren singing at the event.

Also in 2021, children and staff from Prudhoe West Academy, Ovingham Middle School and Prudhoe Castle First School all collected for the Miners Lamp Community Cafe and Hub, West Wylam.

Donations collected by school children, parents and staff for the Miners Lamp Community Cafe (Image: Newsquest)

It is the only food bank in the Tynedale area that provides support over the Christmas period.

School children spread Christmas cheer to new homeowners at retirement community, McCarthy Stone's Hewson Court in Hexham.

McCarthy Stone's Hewson Court in Hexham open cards from Hexham Priory School (Image: Newsquest)

Pupils aged 11 to 16 at Hexham Priory School crafted handmade Christmas cards for residents.

In 2017, Acomb Court residents Shirley Willis and Tony Ellenbroek were visited by Cassie the golden retriever and her owner Audrey, who volunteers with Hexham-based charity Wag and Co.

It became a registered charity in 2016 after being set up by Diane Morton from Slaley, after she saw how her dad, who had Alzheimer's, responded to her dog Harry.

Volunteers from Haydon Bridge up to Berwick-upon-Tweed and between offer their time to visit older people who may need company.

Nici Dodd, senior project manager at Dipsticks Research, with knitted toys raising money for Tynedale Hospice at Home (Image: Newsquest)

Staff from Hexham-based Dipsticks Research raised hundreds of pounds in 2017 for Tynedale Hospice at Home.

Self-taught knitters Alison Pringle, operations manager, and deputy operations manager Karen Dodd knitted toys such as snowmen in a range of outfits, including football kits, and mini Christmas puddings containing sweet treats.

Belinda Ambrose and Kathryn Coulson of Aligned Chiropractic with toys ready to donate to the Salvation Army (Image: Newsquest)

Hexham-based Aligned Chiropractic have collected toys ready to donate to the Salvation Army for disadvantaged children for more than a decade.

Four and Twenty restaurant in Corbridge hosts free lunch for homeless people (Image: Newsquest)

Corbridge restaurant Four and Twenty partnered with Newcastle-based charity the People's Kitchen to provide 30 free meals in 2019.