VILLAGERS in Kington St Michael are celebrating this month after their community shop, which is owned and run by dedicated volunteers, hit its tenth year in business.

Volunteers and residents in the village were treated to jugs of Pimms, a barbecue and a wide range of stalls on Saturday (May 10) by the management committee who wanted to thank the community for their loyalty over the last ten years.

"We never thought it was going to die out but ten years is a really big milestone for the village," shop committee chairman Rick Squires said. "I think it is reinforced by the fact we run the post point in the shop as well so people can deal with their post."It is a great village who really support the shop and they have a great community spirit."

The shop, which was opened in May 2007 and stocks a wide range of groceries, household products and local supplies, is run by 30 hardworking volunteers who spare a few hours every week to ensuring the shop never closes during opening hours.

Mr Squires added: "We have had quite a few new villagers, who I have never met before, come to the fete and they thought the shop was a great idea. It has gone from strength to strength and although we cannot expand the premises any further, we would love to have more volunteers."

Anyone interested in volunteering their services should contact Rick Squires on 01249750335.