THIS week's trader of the week, the Northern Echo's weekly segment highlighting businesses and traders around the North-East, is Fenwick's Butchers and Deli.

Fenwick’s Family butchers started trading from the indoor market and a shop on North Road, in 1988.

"A true family operation", with Ray and Maureen Fenwick being the founders and sons Nick and Nigel qualifying as master butchers and going on to take over the business. Today, Nick runs the butchers and deli with wife Clare and their children.

Mrs Fenwick said: "In 2010 we expanded in the indoor market by taking over another counter and closed our shop on North Road, moving everything to the market.

"This was a big leap of faith for us. We were sad to leave the local community of North Road but couldn’t miss the opportunity in the indoor market.

"Ten years later we can now say it was a risk worth taking and now cater for people visiting Darlington from all areas and further afield."

In regards to other memorable moments, Mrs Fenwick cites winning the Best Market Trader 2019.

She said: "We were the proud winners of the best market trader 2019 an award based on votes from customers. We had never entered a competition before and were overwhelmed by the support we got.

"Our family business has evolved over time, withstanding the stresses and strains of the retail market, all due to the loyalty of our customers. We strive to keep our firm favourite products but also to be creative and introduce new meal ideas and bargains.

"It’s fair to say we live in unprecedented times – bruised from Brexit and suffering from the current worrying coronavirus pandemic.

"We’ve been living through the uncertainty of the high street and the renovations of the market – all forces outside of our control. What do we do? We carry on. We provide the good old-fashioned food we all love with the friendly customer service and banter that markets are renowned for all while adapting to new shopping customs."

Find Fenwick's Butchers and Deli in Darlington's indoor market, Monday to Saturday 8am to 5pm, but closing at 4pm on Wednesdays.

Due to coronavirus, the stall is currently closed inside the market, but customers can order for home delivery.

Are you a business or trader and would like to be featured? Get in touch at tasmin.lockwood@newsquest.co.uk