A COMMUNITY facing the loss of its shop and post office joined forces and has now opened its own facility with help from a council grant.

Residents from East Cowton and surrounding area formed the Cowton Community Enterprise Ltd to raise funds and establish their own shop after the loss of their post office.

And with the help of an £8,000 from Hambleton District Council’s "Making a Difference Fund" the company bought a portacabin as a temporary home for the new shop - siting it on land shared by the parish council and village hall.

The shop is now open daily, with a café on Friday afternoons when the pop up Post Office calls.

District Councillor and local resident, Stephen Watson said: “This new facility is the social hub for the community – for all ages.

“Being open seven days a week means our older residents can have interaction on a daily basis – and we can provide essential supplies without people having to get in their cars to fetch them.

“And we can also cater for our visitors – particularly the cycling groups who regularly pass through our community.”