A tribe of Golden Gnomes have been appearing on doorsteps all around Hexham as the community celebrates its lockdown heroes. 
 

The origin of The Hexham Gnomes remains a mystery, but the initiative has seen more than 150 businesses, individuals and even children being awarded with a special gnome. 
 

Hundreds of “Gnominations” have been received on a special Facebook page including the Northumberland Libraries Team at Hexham Library, who were gnominated for “functioning in very difficult times, isolated from their customers from a wall of quarantined books....they have been fab.” 
 

Other “lockdown legends” receiving a golden gnome include 5-year-old Jack Perkins, a pupil at Sele First School who was nominated by owners of Mr Wolf toyshop Lindsey and Austin Birney for “brightening up their day every time he comes into the shop.” 
 

Jack’s mum, Kate Perkins said: “We moved to Hexham in October last year and Jack instantly loved going into Mr Wolf’s toyshop. Mr and Mrs Wolf (that’s what Jack calls Lindsey and Austin!) always make his visit so magical and exciting, it’s really magical for him. When Mr Wolf gave Jack his gnome he was delighted and it’s now taken pride of place in his bedroom.” 
 

The organiser of the Hexham Gnomes known only as Queen Hexvilda said: “Gnome comment!!!! 
 

“Well Ok, the idea behind it was to give people a way to celebrate the people and businesses who have helped them through the last 12 months.
  

“The stories which have been coming through have been so heartwarming, we’ve had gnominations for postmen, refuse collectors, neighbours and supermarket staff who have all continued to support this community despite these challenging times.” 
 

Alison Smith, of Matthias Winter, was gnominated for supporting a customer who was new to the town during lockdown. Alison said: “Whoever is behind this deserves an MBE for service to the community!!! It was a real delight to find my new golden friend on my doorstep. As an independent retailer I have done my best to help and support people through the lockdowns.” 
 

Maureen Taylor, Director of Business Development and Communities at Northumberland County Council said: “This is another amazing example of how communities have really pulled together during this crisis and is the whole ethos behind our Northumberland Communities Together initiative, which aims to shine a light on the fantastic work being done by selfless individuals and businesses whose main drive is to help people in their community. The Hexham Gnomes are a little ray of “golden” sunshine in what has been, for many, a very difficult time.”