A GROUP set up to run Kildwick and Farnhill's village store as a non-profit making venture has had its offer for the premises rejected.

The Herald broke the news last year that an organisation had been formed with a view to buying the store and Post Office, which has been up for sale for many months.

The group came together following fears that the store may have to close if a buyer could not be found.

And members say they now have the cash to support the venture.

But store owner Michael Hilton said he was being made out to be "the enemy" after rejecting the offer which was thousands of pounds less than the asking price.

"I'm being made out here as if I'm the bad person," he said.

"But would you take up an offer which is less than what you bought the premises for back in 1988? I'm not just prepared to give it away and I really am upset about this."

Mr Hilton claimed that prospective purchasers could have been put off due to the interest in the shop by the village group.

A spokesman for the Farnhill and Kildwick Post Office and Village Shop Association said: "The association has made a fair offer to Mr Hilton based on an independent valuation of the business and premises.

"This offer has been rejected which is obviously disappointing. However, our offer remains on the table. We have both the funding and support to go ahead with our plans to retain the post office and store as a community venture."