A popular independent newsagents which served generations of customers in Northallerton has closed its doors for the final time after almost a century in business.
Mitchells made its own headlines on its final day of trading as dozens of friends, former staff and ex-paper boys and girls gathered to pay tribute to the long-running town centre business.
The closure marked the end of an era for owner Mark Willoughby, who ran the shop for 41 years after taking over from the Mitchell family in 1985.
Known for stocking more than 600 magazine titles alongside local and national newspapers, greeting cards, calendars and confectionery, Mitchells became one of the best-known independent newsagents in the region.
Customers regularly visited the shop for everything from daily papers to specialist hobby magazines and children’s comics.
Mr Willoughby said the final day had been emotional but filled with appreciation for the support shown by the community over the years.
“I’m hugely sad to be closing, but also immensely proud to have served our local community for so long,” he said.
“We’ve been overwhelmed with lovely messages and cards from customers and friends who’ve told us how special this shop has been to them.
“I’m also deeply grateful to my wife Lynda, son Ben and the wonderful staff who have got up at unearthly hours to help me get the papers out over the years.
“And I’m proud to have launched the careers of dozens of teenagers who started their working lives as our paper boys and girls.”
Mr Willoughby took over the business from Peter Mitchell and initially worked in partnership with Mr Mitchell’s son, Joe.
Before the Mitchell family’s ownership, the premises had been operated by the Smithson family and historical records suggest the building was already trading as a newsagents and printing works by the late 1930s.
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