A trio of Newcastle shop owners have spoken to Belfast Live about what it's like to run local and family businesses in the town for decades.Nestled in the foothold of the Mourne Mountains are local businesses that have become part of the town's furniture.Kate and Kelly Armstrong are the family duo behind The Joke and Toy Shop, Kelly coming in to take over following her father Des' ill health.
"The kids all go out to them arcades and it's us next, maybe Coco's next or something like that - they all know the joke shop.Her daughter Kelly has since taken on the running of the business, with Kate still popping in now and then. A mainstay in Newcastle for over 70 years, it is now in the hands of the third generation, a tribute to its remarkable staying power.Fiona Dagidir runs the shop with her brother and said it is great to be involved with a business that has such a rich family history."She gave it to my mother and father, now unfortunately they've gone, so me and my brother are running it.
"My mother brought us in here when we were kids, now they're bringing in their children and their children's children, that's how long we've been here." She said the beautiful little shop, housing dolls, teddies, wooden toys, puzzles, dinosaurs and more was inspired by her own childhood memories.