Well-known Newcastle store Dochertys is the latest hardware independent to announce that it is closing down for good.
The business was established as WM Docherty in 1906 and has been a fixture within the city's Grainger Market for 30 years. However, recently it has been struggling.

Director Melissa Howlett has had discussions with Newcastle City Council, which owns the market, to see if they could come to some arrangement over the rent, as new traders are offered rent-free periods, but they have come to nothing.

She told local news website chroniclelive.co.uk: "We feel that they are turning their backs on the loyal tenants that have made the market what it is renowned for."

Council markets manager Heather Thurlaway replied: "The rents in the Grainger Market are the most affordable for retailers in the city centre.

"We offered support to Dochertys as their business started to see a drop in profits. Unfortunately they were not forthcoming with business information we requested to enable us to help.

"Dochertys have made a business decision to close and it will be sad to see them go, especially as they brought a unique offer to the market."

She added: "If Dochertys would like to work with us, our door remains open."

Dochertys claimed to sell one of the widest ranges of tools available in the city centre, alongside a range of other DIY equipment, workwear and homewares.

The business is part of Hartlepool-based Hornsey Hardware, which also owns Hartlepool's prominent DIY superstore Charles Dickens, founded in 1927, and its branch in Spennymoor.