RESIDENTS of Sheepwash have put the heart back into the community by re-opening the village shop after 11 months and suddenly the place is buzzing again.

But this is no average village stores — it is run by the village, manned by volunteers and profits will be spent on community projects.

Providing top quality locally produced food and goods, the shop will also house a post office and an off licence.

Buster Jones, one of the instigators of the project, is also adamant that the store will be able to compete with the supermarkets.

'Everything you could ever want is here in Sheepwash Community Post Office and Stores,' he said. 'It's true we will not be able to match the supermarkets penny for penny, but when you take into account the travel costs of going to Okehampton or Bideford, we will be cheaper.'

When the 17th century Mermaid House, which included the shop, was sold last August the shop also went, and it had always been the centre of the community.

But the new owners of the house were sympathetic to residents' wishes to keep a store in town and agreed to lease part of their property for a shop.

A committee was formed and the venture was supported with £22,500 from the Key Fund. Fundraising and grants from other sources made up the extra needed for refitting the premises.

As soon as opening day arrived, Mr Jones said the whole village suddenly came to life. 'Everything perked up and people are meeting and talking again,' he said. 'Without a shop in The Square there was no reason for people to meet up and it was just not the same.'

At the moment the challenge is to break even and fill the shelves every night, but once business takes off, villagers plan to put the profits back into the community.

Mr Jones said if anyone required a particular item that was not available, they would endeavour to get it.

'People only have to fax or ring us with an order any time of day and we will organise it ready for collecting — it's as easy as that,' he said.

Sheepwash Community Post Office and Stores can be contacted on 01409 231531.