THIS image represents hope of a lifeline for residents in a rural East Dorset village.

For more than a year householders in Witchampton have relied on friends, relatives and car-sharing with neighbours to access shops and a Post Office because theirs was closed.

Now plans have been approved for its replacement - all they have to do is come up with the funds to build it.

The Vale of Allen Rural Association Ltd (VARA), which was established to drive the project forward, has already raised £5,000. Now they're urging locals to part with £2 in their latest fund-raiser - a buy a brick appeal. The Crichel Estate has agreed to double what they raise.

More than 80 people packed into the village hall to hear about the project, which also hopes to modernise the interior of the Witchampton and Crichel Club.

Speaking after the meeting VARA secretary David de Mattos said: "This store and Post Office is very well needed.

"At the moment we have a voluntary car rota going to Furzehill Post Office once a week - other people are managing with the help of friends.

"Other villages around here lost their Post Offices a long time ago so they were relying on ours too.

"Walkers often pass through the village and now there's nothing for the passing trade."

And he said residents at the public meeting had "shown a tremendous sense of purpose, momentum and optimism" for the store.

The project is likely to cost around £300,000 but applications will be made for funding from outside bodies.