THE till was ringing at a West Dorset shop when Magna Housing Association popped in with a cheque for £3,000.

The money was for Thorncombe Village Shop, which has been run by the community since being threatened with closure in 2008.

Volunteers who help run the store are always looking for funding so decided to approach Magna for a donation from its community initiative fund. Mike Carr, the community shop’s treasurer, said: “We’re really grateful to Magna for this grant.

“The shop is now well established and although times are hard in retail we have a loyal customer base. Grants like this make a real difference to a community shop like ours.”

The parish council bought and refurbished the shop and post office, which is now run by an industrial and provident society on behalf of the village.

Mr Carr said: “The shop is run by a management committee – all volunteers, a salaried manager, an assistant and 20 to 30 volunteers from the village working shifts.”

The shop sells an extensive range of produce including delicatessen items, fresh fruit and vegetables and fresh meat, which are locally sourced where possible. There is also a café area for drinks and cakes.

Ken Bodycombe, Magna’s community development manager, said: “Village shops are more than just shops. They are real local hubs where people get together and socialise.

“The community initiative fund forum has supported community shops in the past because they know how important they are for village life.”