Could The Horncastle News help Thrifty’s survive?

Julie Clark, who runs Thrifty’s in North Street, has had to shut because she is not ranked as an essential business.

She says she has contacted local councils to press her case for staying open as she will still be offering parcels and warm clothing for vulnerable people during.

However, because Thrifty’s is not a registered charity, she has been told she will have to close.

Julie, though, was recently handed a copy of the very first Horncastle News, published in 1885.

If it is authentic, Julie hopes to sell the copy and use the money to help survive until December 2.

She explained: “A customer was searching through their attic and brought a number of items into the shop, including the copy of the paper.

“At the moment, I’m trying to find out whether it is authentic - or whether it’s a more modern copy.”

Julie says she is aware copies might have been printed to mark special events since 1885.

If it is authentic, she plans to sell the copy privately - or, if not,donate it to the Horncastle History and Heritage Society .

Julie added: “It has been a real struggle this year. We managed to survive the first lockdown and I’m just hoping we can get through this one although there’s only so much you can take. Staff and customers have been great. We’ll fight on.”