It’s been years in the making but Minety finally has its own community shop.

Having started as a pop-up at a bus stop during lockdown, thanks to a number of grants and hard-working organisers, it found a permanent home at the village hall.

And on Saturday, dozens of villagers went along to see the ribbon cut and sample some of the wares on offer.

Committee member Jo Smythe said: “It’s absolutely fantastic. When we started our campaign about two years ago we had a long slog ahead and we were earmarking one place to purchase but it was a big amount of money.

"But just before lockdown we had a go at putting a pop-up table out side the school and that went well.

“Then lockdown came and we thought we have to serve the community somehow because we want a shop. Very kindly, the village hall gave us the committee room at the back and we’re there. It’s really going well and our sales are going up.

“We’ve had really good feedback and people have been very supportive. Now it’s here I don’t think they want to lose it."

One of the driving forces to get the shop up and running was Issy Griffin. She died earlier this year but her husband Steve was on hand to cut the ribbon. The shop is dedicated to her, complete with a plaque.

Jo added: “Issy was an incredibly important part of the committee, she was one of our founding members. She really drove us forward and never let us flag and we were so sad when we lost her.”