VILLAGERS have joined forces to safeguard the future of their only local shop and post office - by taking it over themselves.

People in Huby and Sutton-on-the-Forest, near York, have formed a Community Benefit Society, and are now trying to raise £40,000 to buy Huby’s village shop.

The shop has been owned and run by husband and wife duo David and Lesley Barker for more than 26 years and the couple were looking to sell the business ahead of retirement plans last year.

However, when Mrs Barker died last summer, her widower had to reduce opening hours in order to keep the shop running on his own.

He said: “After Lesley passed away, I struggled on initially. Then thankfully some volunteers came forward to help me out.

“That has developed into what will hopefully become a very successful community-based shop, which is what Lesley alway wanted the business to become. The people that have come forward out of the woodwork have been amazing.

“It’s bitter-sweet for me, but I’m hopeful Lesley is looking down saying well done, and that the shop will be here for years to come.”

The Community Benefit Society is seeking to raise funds to buy the shop through a community shares and bonds prospectus, and is calling on residents to buy a £20 stake.