Behind the doors of the Forum Shopping Center lies a community of passionate traders who are on a mission to unite their community.
Wallsend Market Village was once a thriving hub filled with thriving businesses but as the traditional high street has suffered, so has the the shopping centre.
Footfall is down and so is the number of traders.
But those who are still standing have issued a rallying cry and they're determined to revive the fortunes of the once bustling centre.
After 20 years trading as Inshops, the market underwent a refurbishment in 2016, updating the decor and rebranding it as Wallsend Market Village in a bid to attract new customers.
Brenda Landless, 53, has been a cleaner at the market for over 15 years.
She said: "Many people recognise the market as Inshops, and don't think of it as Market Village.
“In the old days it was thriving with all the units occupied. But many traders have stayed a short time and left leaving it market looking empty.
"We have some great traders here now we just need more people in our community to visit.”
Newly appointed assistant manager, Angela Wylam, has recently moved to Wallsend and the first thing she noticed was the community spirit.
She said: “There is a great community here and everyone looks out for each other and we really want to make a difference.
“It is a struggle for our traders at the moment but we are like a family, when we are having bad day we all support each other.
“It’s not just about making money, it's about customer service and spending more time and service than other big supper markets.
“My mission is to make the market the heart of the community, a place were people can come and to host free events to get everyone together."
This mission has begun with summer holiday activities to help support parents and a number of events for pensioners.
Already it has hosted a teddy bears' picnic with a string of other events in the pipeline, and staff are even hoping to install a stage to create a performance space at the site.
Kath Elliot, 54, is manager of Diamante Heaven and has been trading at the market since 2016.
She said she loves working alongside other local businesses and supports all her neighbouring traders in the market.
She said: “I love supporting other traders and wanting them to do well. I wish more companies will invest in our market and we can all thrive together.”
And Aaron Whitenstall has opened his own barbering business this week in the village - aged 20.
He said: “I chose to set up my business here as it is a very nice area with a community feel, people always stop ad talk to me and I love to talk. I am excited for my new adventure ahead."
Mary Johnson, 52, runs MJ cafe and loves the friendly community in the place that she works.
She said: “I have always wanted to start my own business. I love seeing the regulars come and having a chat with them all, I wish we could see a few more new faces coming along.”
David Scholey, 67, is a regular customer at MJ's Cafe and visits the market at least once a week.
He said: “It is friendly, affordable and decent. It’s a lovely community - I just wish more people would come along to enjoy it.”
For details of how to get involved visit the market's website.
