WE rounded up the Hexham Courant's top 10 most-read stories from this year. Here's what we found.
1 Tree at Sycamore Gap has been felled
Sycamore Gap, one of the most iconic trees in the UK was felled overnight in September, with authorities believing it was deliberately felled.
An investigation was launched and is still ongoing.
2 Boutique hotel and spa to close its doors as it returns to family residency status
A popular Tynedale country estate announced its final service date would be on October 29 after checkout.
Walwick Hall, in Humshaugh, opened in 2016 after 18 months of extensive renovation to turn the 18th-century Grade II listed stately home into a country hotel after the building had stood empty for several years and fallen into a poor state of repair.
3 Hiker shares final moments of Sycamore Gap
Cumbrian hiker Alice Whysall said she may have been the last person to see the Sycamore Gap tree in September before it was cut down in September.
Sycamore Gap was located at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hadrian's Wall and was estimated to have been approximately 300 years old.
4 ITV drama series Vera filming in Hexham, Northumberland
The thirteenth series of the acclaimed ITV drama series Vera was to feature scenes filmed in and around Hexham earlier this year.
A letter was posted to Hexham residents and business owners in April, notifying them of the filming scheduled to take place.
5 Northumberland farmer's last-ditch appeal to save home
Farmer Walter Renwick, 68, who was born at Plankey Mill Farm, is a well-known face to visitors at the much-loved beauty spot, near Hexham, where he runs a campsite - which was number two on the UK's best picnic spot last year.
In summer, Walter closed the campsite and sold animals on the farm after a dispute with The Jesuits in Britain, who own the land.
6 Grants Bakery Corbridge named Northumberland's best bakery
Grants Bakery in Corbridge was named the county winner in the National Bakery Awards.
The National Bakery Awards involves all county award winners attending the event in London to find out which bakeries will be crowned winners of the regional awards and win the overall title of National Bakery of the Year.
7 Tynedale couple to take over and save much-loved local pub
James and Emma Middleton, who run a successful holiday rental business, announced they were the new owners of The Boatside Inn, in Warden, Hexham.
The pair grew up in Hexham and returned to live in Warden five years ago with their four children.
8 Arrests made and penalty notices issued during police operation in Northumberland
More than 30 cars were stopped and various vehicles were seized during a police operation in Northumberland.
Operation Redwood was launched across the Northumbria Police force area with teams of officers tasked with getting ahead of anticipated rises in specific types of crime.
9 New owners hoping to develop former department store as they announce takeover
The Yorkshire Trading Company, which already occupies part of the old Beales and later Hexham Outlet Centre, took over the former Robbs department store in Hexham.
The former Buccleuch Property-owned city centre building, which flanks Fore Street and Priestpopple, was sold over the £750,000 asking price.
10 Historic inn to open 'very soon' under new management
The historic Golden Lion Country Inn in Corbridge was to welcome patrons under new local management.
Adrian Proud, a familiar presence in Corbridge's hospitality scene, is heading up this initiative with his family.
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