A SMALL army of delivery lads and lasses are ensuring hundreds of Barney residents don't go without their daily headlines.
Since the lockdown was introduced, more than 200 extra delivery orders for papers have been received at Galgate News.
A team of almost 20 is responsible for putting the papers through the town's letterboxes seven days a week, come rain or shine.
It's been a busy few weeks for Galgate News manager Debbie Welsh and her small team in the shop.
“Since the lockdown came in, our footfall is about the same, but our customer base has increased dramatically,” she said.
“We have been taking on new customers as well as helping existing clients, and a huge number of deliveries are now going out.
“The lads and lasses are doing an absolutely brilliant job,” added Ms Welsh.
“We have had customers leaving tips and sweets for them.”
Galgate News also acts as a distribution point each week for the Mercury.
Staff receive the papers from the printers early on a Tuesday morning from where they are sent out to points of sale in town and across the dale. In addition to delivering the news, an increase in the sale of greetings cards has also been recorded as the Teesdale Mercury Shop, in Market Place, and other outlets remain closed during the lockdown.
Galgate News also stocks some groceries and acts as a pick up and drop off point for UPS.
Anyone wishing to arrange newspaper delivery can do so by contacting Galgate News on 01833 690355.
