Hexham's colourful High Street history has been immortalised in a new book.

Penny Grennan's book, 'Objectivity', delves into the fascinating stories behind items bought from the town's historic shops.

For her book, Ms Grennan conducted extensive interviews with the local residents of Hexham.

The book documents the objects they purchased, shedding light on the personal narratives attached to the items.

The book is part of the Hexham High Streets Heritage Action Zone scheme, with a focus on highlighting the town's retail legacy through these personal tales.

The author commented on the unique storytelling power of everyday objects.

Ms Grennan said: "The objects in the book all tell a story: where and when they were bought or made, who bought them and why, what we are reminded of every time we see, use, wear, or hear them."

She enthusiastically described a favourite item from the book - an unassuming garlic press.

She said: "The lady I interviewed told me the tale about how she always gives a garlic press to friends or family members on the birth of a child.

"It isn’t until a few months down the line when it comes to weaning the baby that the penny invariably drops with the new mothers."

The book is set to be launched at Hexham Library on November 29, with local residents invited to attend this special event.

Other fascinating pieces featured in the book include Hextravaganza, Hexham’s equivalent to Monopoly, clothing items, a sculpture, a fossil, furniture, and musical instruments.

The book has also earned praise from Northumberland County Councillor Wojciech Ploszaj.

Cllr Ploszaj said: "Hexham has a rich heritage and this book helps to capture the character of the town centre by providing an insight into some of the shops in the town now and in the past."

The publication is part of the High Streets Heritage Action Zone scheme, a £95 million government-funded initiative led by Historic England.

The scheme seeks to unlock the potential in Hexham’s town centre through arts and culture activities and improvements to the historical streetscape, engaging residents, businesses, tourists, and investors.