Weather doesn't dampen the joy of Queen's visit

THE people of Hexham came out in force to defy atrocious weather and greet the Queen on her visit to Hexham Abbey yesterday afternoon.

- SAM VOLPE

Hundreds lined Beamont Street in the Northumberland town to see Queen Camilla.

She met civic leaders and representatives from local charities - including Holly's Hope, set up in memory of teen Holly Newton, who was murdered in the town in 2023 - at the abbey, before being offered wares from producers who attend the Hexham Farmer's Market.

The Queen was greeted by school-children waving flags and an indefatigable show from Hexham Brass Band.

Holly’s mum Micala Trussler told The Journal how Queen Camilla had again showed her support for the charity Holly’s Hope. She explained how the Royal had reiterated her support for their work - which raises awareness of domestic violence and educates the public around knife crime and how to deal with it.

“For example, Holly’s Hope has fundraised to place bleed kits around the North East - which enable rapid first aid for those to suffer stab injuries.”