A VILLAGE shop that closed a year ago will be replaced before the end of the summer.

Grants from a number of sources mean new facilities will be incorporated in Middleton Tyas Memorial Hall, which took over the running of the sub post office three months after the old one closed in March last year.

"This is great news for the village,'' said Richmondshire District Council ward member Jill McMullon.

"The loss of the shop was a body blow for the elderly residents and those without transport. The new facilities will help to boost a continuing sense of community spirit. Residents have all supported the new shop and it would not have happened without them."

As well as local fundraising, finance to cover the costs came from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which contributed £37,0000, another £10,000 grant for the Countryside Agency, and a substantial donation from the Moto Services, at Scotch Corner.

The shop will open by July.