THE oldest resident of Milton Abbot welcomed the newest as MAVIS (Milton Abbot Village Independent Store) officially opened its doors last weekend.

Hilda Hutchings, who was born in Milton Abbot and has lived there all her 84 years, raised a toast to the new shop, café and takeaway and wished it great success.

She and her friends, Doreen Bray and Jean Vigars were the perfect guests to welcome this new arrival as they all used to work together at nearby Endsleigh House, so are experts in catering.

Mrs Hutchings said: 'It's wonderful to have the shop back again, it couldn't be better.

'I just hope all the local people support it because it is something we have wanted for a long time. I wish them every success.'

MAVIS is the braidchild of local mums Romilly Cousins and Justine Ridley.

Not simply a village shop, it is also a café and takeaway, selling local meats and produce.

And Justine and Romilly have great plans for the future, including having a hairdresser visit once a month and offering beauty treatments.