THE rural village of Exford was celebrating last week as its rejuvenated village shop was reopened after being shut for more than 18 months.

The shop closed following the death of one of the previous owners, and was put on the market.

It meant villagers had to travel several miles to the nearest village shop in Withypool, or have deliveries brought in.

Three local investors opted to club together to bring the store back to life as The Exmoor Stores, refurbishing much of the building including a new roof and fresh signage.

There was quite a turn out on Saturday, September 5, when Revd David Weir came to cut the ribbon - even though it was only 7.30am.

He was joined by two of the investors, Anna Connell and Henry Rawson, as well as the new shop manager Hayley Hunter.

Social distancing was observed as people filed in to marvel at the total refurbishment of the store which now has a much more modern feel. The shelves are filled with fresh produce, all manner of groceries, beers, wines and spirits, pet foods, gifts and much more.