A NEW community shop is now serving villagers in Dinton.

When the sub-post mistress, who also ran the shop, retired in March 2012 leading to the closure of both facilities, villagers decided to what they could do about it.

A meeting was held at Dinton Village Hall, and it was clear by the numbers attending that not only was there a wish to see the shop reopen but there were enough volunteers to keep it open.

A steering committee was formed and set about finding out how to open and run a community shop.

Plunketts, an organisation set up to promote community shops, provided sources of grants and gave support on legal matters. And another well attended meeting was arranged where villagers voted in a full committee of 10 people.

The committee have worked tirelessly over the past 18 months applying for grants - achieving £50,000 from the National Lottery, £5,000 from South West Area Board and £500 from Dinton Parish Council.

Shares were offered to members of the public in Dinton and surrounding villages.

Finally, on Wednesday, the shop reopened in the same premises as Dinton stores but completely gutted and refurbished.

The shop sells groceries, newspapers and local produce, and there is a coffee bar.

Opening hours are 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.

If more volunteers come forward the shop could also open on Sundays in Future, Anyone who can help can call 01722 716658 or 01722 717876.