HEXHAM born Charles Mackesey's Oscar is worth its weight in gold say tourism bosses as celebrities flock to town hailed a TV film location magnet. 

Over the years, Tynedale has become one of the top places for TV and film industries to use sites and attractions.

Not only do TV and film industries come to the town but also visitors who try to seek out celebrities currently in the film locations when visiting Hexham.

To name a few popular shows such as Vera, Matt Baker and Robson Green TV shows or being fillmed live or where they were filmed - even crime thrillers such as Get Carter - has helped bring more investment to the area.

Andrew Fox, chair of Visit Northumberland, said: "Filming opportunities are so important for Northumberland and it has been fantastic to see Hexham develop into a filming hotspot, with TV shows such as Vera and Robson Green using our beautiful market town as their backdrops. 

"Filming locations have an everlasting impact on tourism and encourage visitors to explore new destinations after seeing them on the screen.

"In 2021 alone, economic investment to the county from productions filmed in Northumberland amounted to almost £10 million on crew and technical staff, cast and extras, hotels, catering and many other services, which is equivalent to £27,200 per day."

John McCabe, Chief Executive at North East England Chamber of Commerce is not surprised why Hexham is a top film and TV spot.

He adds: "Sitting on the south bank of the River Tyne, Hexham is home to a stunning market town, racecourse, art galleries and medieval Abbey.

"The picturesque town has so much to offer so it’s no wonder it has featured in many films and TV shows over the years, and has now entered the Oscar hall of fame with Oscar winner Charlie Mackesy originating from the area.

“Hexham was named Happiest Place to Live in the UK in Rightmove’s “happy at home” index in 2019 and 2021.

"The town has seen a lot of growth and development, and continues to do so, and is a gateway to Hadrian’s Wall and the Northumberland National Park – ensuring Hexham plays its important part in the North East’s thriving tourism economy.”

Hexham Mayor Derek Kennedy believes the use of celebrity influence has helped promote the area.

"Hexham and Tynedale has the spotlight upon it with local celebrities using their influence to spread the news that this is a great area to live," he explains.

"Robson Green Northumberland TV shows are a great showcase of this fantastic area and Matt Baker visiting us with his show.

"Vera is shot in the region also and the brilliant news of an Oscar winner. The recent movie shot at the old middle school can only prick the interest of tourists."

Jez light from Hexham Community Partnership also adds: "It's been wonderful to see Hexham appearing on our screens recently.

The interest from both TV and film production companies shows that Hexham has something special to offer and I think our visitors see that too.

"Showcasing our beautiful town in this way is a great way to encourage more visitors to come and see what Hexham has to offer."