A BUTCHERS in the North Tyne has closed.

The Northumbrian Salt Cellar Butchery & Kitchen has been a mainstay in Wark for 12 years.

The business, which remained open until Saturday, January 7, to sell all of its stock, said it was losing money and could no longer continue to trade.

READ MORE: https://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/23242970.wetherspoons-hexham-given-five-star-food-hygiene-rating/

A post on social media said: "In April 2010, nearly 13 years ago, I travelled from London to sign the contract for the sale of a little butchers shop in Wark.

"I had no experience, no real desire to be a part of the meat industry, no clue what I was doing really, I just knew that losing another village shop was a part of the community lost and if I could, I wanted to stop that.

"Over 13 years, I have carved a path I couldn’t have imagined if I’d tried, met the most incredible people and been part of a journey I wouldn’t have missed a second of.

"My one aim through every step was to remain true to my roots and keep Wark village butchers afloat.

"Through the many tough times, there’s also been incredible highs, abundant smiles and a lot of pride.

"Seven-day weeks are the norm, no holidays, constant revamping, reinventing, just part of our everyday life, and we’ve all done it, as a team, for the majority of time with a smile on our face.

"Our lives have revolved around that little shop for over a decade, and I wouldn’t change it for the world."

The shop, on Hexham Street, also sold everyday essentials, cakes and other baked goods.

The social media post, signed by Alan, Claire and the Watson family, added: "There are less than 700 independent butchers left in the UK, we are one more off their list.

"Small shops cannot survive without the loyalty and support of those around them. There are two other shops left in the village, show them all the support you can, they need you."

The Wark post office and Premier store also sell everyday items.