The store has a post office and library link built in

Melmerby in Cumbria had been without a store for three years after the original owners sold up and moved away.

Villagers banded together to raise money, and formed a committee of shareholders to run the shop, which is seen as a community asset.

Cash help was also provided by the county council and Defra, and the store has a post office and library link built in.

Nigel Holme, the manager, said: "Members of the village got together, asked around, and the general thought was that they wanted their shop back.

'Local produce'

"All in all, we've raised more than �70,000 and that includes money from local people.

"More than 100 people have bought shares in the shop."

The money included �22,000 in government funding.

Tony Percival, from Defra's rural development service, said: "Putting the funding in is one thing, and we are pleased to do so.

"But what you really need is the buy-in from the local community, and we have got that here.