A Co Tyrone newsagent has spoken about how her shop is an important hub in the community.
Maureen McConnell has been in charge of the newsagent in Fintona since 1999, but the shop's history goes much further than that.
It was originally owned by Paddy McCallen, who opened the shop in the early 1960's in response to a local woman who began selling newspapers from her house, and then from Mass.
Paddy began helping her to sell papers out of the chapel, before he began selling them from his own house at a counter he made to fit the front door, and the rest is history.
The McCallen family were raised in the small shop, with Maureen mentioning that in the former upstairs living area, the original fireplace is still there and the wallpaper is still on the walls in the attic bedroom.
When Maureen took the reins in February 1999, the shop became Mo's Newsagents, and she told MyTyrone that the time since has "really flown in."
She added: "I really love it. It's really the hub of the community you know. It was sad when we were celebrating 20 years, as you're thinking about all the people who went through the doors who are now passed on. A lot of my customers have passed.
"It's just the rural area, people just love to come into the shop for a wee chat. I still have a lot of older customers. They like to come in to talk. During the lockdown was an absolute nightmare for everyone.
"Now customers are saying it's lovely to come in and see us again. We were delivering to all the older customers during the whole thing, and it was so sad to see them in the house, and everyone was frightened for their lives at that stage."
Mo, who describes herself as "53 going on 23", has a real passion for serving the local community, saying that they make it all worthwhile.
"I love that community feel, it's really nice," she said.
"The bigger shops are brilliant, you get everything you need in them, but you just do not have that personal touch."
Recently, Mo has begun doing balloons from the shop which have proved popular with the locals. Regular customers stop by daily for their newspapers, while the selection of toys keep children entertained.
But there's one item that's become famous within the town, attracting people from near and far.
She added: "I also have Mo's Mix it's called, a pic 'n' mix, and it's actually so busy. The children love it. We had to change it as it couldn't be open anymore with all the loose sweets, so now we bag them all now. It's changing with the times. They absolutely fly."
Mo, who was born and bred in Fintona, added that the support from the local community during lockdown has been a big help, with social media giving a great platform to engage with customers and people from nearby areas.
Customers had recently visited from Castlederg, and later sent Mo a heartwarming letter which she shared on Facebook.
"I have loads of letters I got during lockdown, children were painting rainbows and wee things for the window," she added.
"It's through the Facebook page, I've met so many nice people, it's been unbelievable. During lockdown we really upped the amount we were using the Facebook. I try to post on it once a week, or if something exciting happens. That wee letter had to go up as it's so sweet."
Mo was recently given the runner-up award for Retail Hero from Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, which was set up to highlight the resilience, commitment and innovation shown by local businesses throughout coronavirus.
She added that it's thanks to the local community that her newsagents has been able to endure for so long.
"I'd like to thank all the customers for the great support I've had over the years, it's been fantastic. They've kept me open, and here's hoping to keep going for another 22 years!"
For more Co Tyrone news, visit our new site MyTyrone.
