A SMALL community in North Craven has closed ranks to save the last shop in their village by clubbing together and buying it.

Burton-in-Lonsdale lost its general store and post office in December, leaving local people, including several elderly residents, with a five-mile round trip to either Ingleton or Bentham to buy basic necessities.

It was feared that the loss of the facility, seen by many as the heart of the community, would increase social exclusion and loss of independence, particularly for the elderly.

Back in July more than 100 residents packed into a public meeting when plans were announced to change the general store and post office to residential use.

The news came after postmaster and owner of the building, David McDermott, resigned from the role.

Residents wanted an alternative site and the Post Office announced it would do all it could to reopen the facility, but said nothing could be done unless an alternative buyer could be found.

Rural transfer advisor for the Post Office, Ian Liley, told the Herald in November that although the post office and store was due to close, he assured customers that it was committed to restoring services to the area.

That assurance has now been realised following massive support by Burton residents who decided that if an independent buyer could not be found, they would club together and form their own enterprise.

Packed meetings of concerned villagers gave the go-ahead for a co-operative venture.

More than 180 residents bought a £10 share in an "Industrial and Provident Society". In addition, pledges and loans totalling more than £46,000 were made by villagers.

The commitment of the locals also secured a grant from Defra towards the purchase of the shop.

"It's been a huge commitment over several months for a lot of people in the village. Now we are all hoping that, with support from everyone in the village, we will have a really successful venture," said society chairman Neville Davis.

Society member Chris Alston, who has taken charge of the restocking as well as organising the volunteers who will be helping to run the shop, added: "This is a dream come true. At times we wondered whether we would make it, but we have.

"We are looking forward to the whole village enjoying shopping in their very own store."

The shop will be ready to open its doors to customers on Monday.

A formal opening and launch party is planned for Saturday April 9 and the new-style Post Office facilities will reopen for business on April 11.