A NEW community shop is proving a major hit with residents after officially opening its doors this month.

Spreyton Village Shop, which is run by a team of volunteers and one paid member of staff, opened its doors to the public on July 16.

The community-owned village shop, which cost £80,000 to get off the ground, is located on a piece of ground near the village hall, and will act as a hub for residents.

The shop is a new build and has replaced the old village shop which closed three years ago.

Chairman of the village shop committee Roo Haywood Smith said the shop was a major boost to the community.

She said: 'It's all very exciting and it looks brilliant, we've achieved so much and we are so happy to finally have our shop.

'We've had quite a few people through the door already and it's not been open long.'

Mrs Haywood Smith said it took a lot of determination to get the shop up and running.

She added: 'It took us two and a half years to get where we are today, but it's bigger and better and we are getting new products in everyday.

'Everyone has worked really hard and been so supportive — we have some great volunteers.'

Mrs Haywood Smith said she was pleased the outreach post office, which is currently based in the village hall, will move to the shop in August.

It will be open for six hours a week.

The shop will sell both local and non-local produce.

Mrs Haywood Smith said selling food from the area did not mean it was expensive.

She added: 'People always think that local food is more expensive, but in actual fact it isn't and we sell both — we've got everything people need.'

Mrs Haywood Smith expressed thanks to West Devon Borough Council for their support with the community shop project.

She added: 'I really hope this becomes an integral part of the village.

'We have a nationally acclaimed pub and thriving village school and we hope that it fits in and enhances the community.'

The shop sells a selection of wines, ciders and ales, as well as fairtrade teas, coffees and more.

It also has a 'village book swap' where residents can bring in and exchange a book and donate to a charity of the shop's choice.

The next step is for an outside seating area where guests can have a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy the surrounding views.

The patio area will also have flower beds planted around it.

It is due to be completed at the end of August.

As well as £5,000 raised by the village itself, grants towards the project included £20,000 from the Village Retail Services association (ViRSA), £20,000 from the Co-op and Community Finance Bank, £23,000 from the Greater Dartmoor Local Enterprise Action Fund (LEAF), £2,500 from West Devon Borough Council's community fund and just over £11,000 from its LEAF match-funding pot, as well as £500 from Devon County Council.

Shares in the shop are available, costing £10, which will allow members to hold an account in the shop and also entitles them to have a vote at the annual meeting, provided they are over 18.

The shop is currently seeking volunteers.

Anyone who would like to know more can talk to Mrs Haywood Smith at Spreyton Shop between the opening hours.

Spreyton Shop is open from Monday to Friday, from 9am until 5pm, Saturday from 9am until 1pm and Sunday from 9am until 11am.

The post office will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1pm until 4pm.

For more information on the shop and how to buy shares phone Roo Haywood Smith on 01647 231576 or email [email protected]">[email protected]