In the shadow of the hills on the outskirts of Rochdale lies a village that is quietly bucking the national trend.

While high streets up and down the country struggle amid pressures caused by the cost of living crisis, Norden's is going from 'strength to strength'.

Among the independent shops that line Edenfield Road, you'll find clothes shops, wine bars, a card shop and an opticians, as well as the usual staples of village life. For somewhere home to less than 10,000 people, it's an impressive offering.

Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features

"You can put your basket on your arm and go to the butchers, the bakers and the candlestick makers," explained Brigit Rhodes, manager of Hope Womenswear in the village.

The shop was previously based on Drake Street, in Rochdale town centre, before relocating to Norden eight years ago.

"We would have been out of business if we'd stayed," said Ms Rhodes. "There's no way we could have survived.

"Town centres all over the country are in decline. Ladies did not want to come into Rochdale town centre.

"When this became available we said 'why don't we give it a go?' We've never looked back.

"Our customers have followed us and we've picked up even more. There's a real community spirit here."

Ms Rhodes' colleague Georgina Webb is originally from New Moston but settled in Norden after living in various other parts of the country. More than two decades on, it's a decision she has no regrets about.

"Rochdale has got a reputation nationally but I absolutely love it here," she explained. "I lived in Suffolk for six years and it was twee with thatched houses but I would choose here any day.

"Norden has a lovely atmosphere. We've got the reservoir and all the nature walks.

"It's a great little base. We've got access to the big towns and cities but are just far enough to enjoy that country life."

Surrounded by rolling countryside, Norden is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Manchester city centre. Nowhere is that tranquillity more apparent than at Greenbooth Reservoir, a beloved walking spot just north of the village, which boasts breath-taking views across Greater Manchester.

Hidden in the depths of the reservoir are the remains of the village of Greenbooth, which was flooded during the 1960s to create the last in a series of four reservoirs in the Naden Valley.

A short walk from the reservoir is perhaps Norden's grandest and most historic building. Set in its own gardens in a picturesque hilltop setting, the historic Wolstenholme Hall was home to the fine dining restaurant Nutters for almost three decades.

The famous venue - owned by chef Andrew Nutter - shut in October 2021 and is set to be turned into an Albert's after the chain, which also has restaurants in Manchester, Didsbury, Worsley and Standish - was given the go-ahead for a major transformation of the building earlier this year.

Mike Holt and his partner Karen have run Carousel card shop in Norden for the last 20 years. He believes the reason the village is thriving while others struggle is down to the willingness of residents to support local businesses.

"People in Norden do very much like to keep it local if they can, when they can," he explained. "That's always been a constant.

"You don't need to go out of the village if you don't want to. There's not been a great deal of change. Retail units on this street don't come up very often."

Given its many charms, it's little surprise that Norden - alongside neighbouring Bamford - is often regarded as Rochdale's most desirable place to live, reflected by surging house prices in the village. The average property in Norden sold for £297,157 last year, according to Rightmove - up 24pc from £240,457 in 2020.

Yet there is one problem locals say needs addressing before it's too late. Last year, more than 5,000 people signed a petition calling for measures to stop drivers speeding along Edenfield Road - the main route through the village - following a number of incidents.

The call for action came after Anne Jones, 60, was killed in a hit and run accident along the busy road just days before Christmas in 2021.

"The speed some vehicles go is frightening," said Bob Hall, 83. "Some of them just don't seem to care."

Mr Hall said he feared there would be further deaths if no action was taken, and called for more signage or a reduced speed limit. Yet despite his concerns, he believes the speeding issue is 'the only downside' to life in the village.

"The people here are wonderful," he said. "It compares very well with other villages.

"You don't need to go into Rochdale at all unless you're going to Marks and Spencer."

Catherine Laycock runs Catherine's café in the village, which on a busy Wednesday lunchtime is bustling with life.

Ms Laycock had her eye on the café for some time before she eventually moved in six-and-a-half years ago. She hasn't looked back since, establishing her business as a cornerstone of the community.

During lockdown, Ms Laycock and her staff delivered food to hundreds of vulnerable people around the village. It's perhaps no surprise then that she has amassed a band of loyal customers.

"I love it here," she said. "There are so many different characters and everybody supports everybody.

"Norden is up-and-coming. With the new bars, we are getting to be a small Didsbury or Monton.

"It's gone from strength to strength over the last few years, there's a really great atmosphere."