WE rounded up this week's top 10 performing stories. 

1 New owners hoping to develop former department store as they announce takeover

The former Robbs department store in Hexham is under new ownership.

The Yorkshire Trading Company, which already occupies part of the old Beales and later Hexham Outlet Centre, has taken over the 99, 382 sq ft site.

2 'To stand back and watch it burn in front of you' - Chip van destroyed by fire

Owners of a mobile fish and chip van have been left devastated after the business went up in flames.

READ MORE: Chinese takeaway handed food hygiene score of one

The Village Chippy, which serves Bellingham, Wark, Otterburn and West Woodburn, has been taken off the road after it was destroyed by fire.

3 SEE INSIDE: The homes listed for more than £1 million near Hexham

See inside Rightmove properties for sale, which are on the market for more than £1 million and are located within a 10-mile radius of Hexham.

4 'It is still open as usual': Pharmacy boss insists business is not closing

A businessman insists his pharmacy is not closing despite staff redundancies.

Tom McCullough, owner of Haydon Bridge Pharmacy has confirmed it is not closing after several staff were made redundant. The news of the redundancy worried local residents about the businesses' future.

5 B&B enjoys record bookings after Four In A Bed appearance

A B&B is celebrating record bookings after winning a popular TV show.

The Manor House Hotel in Haltwhistle was crowned joint winner of the reality competition ‘Four in a Bed’ in February this year and is already seeing bookings filling up for the rest of the year.

6 Hexham man set to appear before magistrates accused of driving offences

A Hexham man is set to appear before magistrates next month.

Bryan Short, of Derwent Road, is accused of driving whilst disqualified and without third-party insurance earlier this year.

7 Controversial planning application approved

A controversial application to build three new homes in Prudhoe has been granted planning permission.

8 Arrest warrant issued for driver

An arrest warrant has been issued for Casey Williams, 21, of Hexham, after failing to answer and surrender to bail.

9 Plans to divide building occupied by Iceland into two retail units approved

Plans to divide the Hexham town centre building currently occupied by Iceland into two retail units have been approved. 

10 Sister of knife crime victim says greater deterrents needed

“Carrying a knife has become normalised”, the sister of a stabbing victim has said.