AT a London awards ceremony this month, Cheriton Fitzpaine Community Shop was a national finalist in the Plunkett Foundation’s Rural Community ‘Keeping it Local’ Business awards.

The national charity supports people in rural areas to set up and run a wide range of businesses in community ownership.

In his presentation video shown at the ceremony, Cheriton Fitzpaine Community Shopmanager Kevin Boddy explained: “Our ethos is to support as many local suppliers as we can who offer a wide variety products that can’t be bought in supermarkets.

“We and our local suppliers want to provide a superior quality product for the customer. It’s all about keeping each other in business. Local suppliers mean less food miles and a reduction in our carbon footprint.”

Wendy Handcock, treasurer, took great pride in reporting that last year the shop sourced stock as far as possible from the locality, namely from Mid Devon 18.4% and from Devon as a whole (including Mid Devon) 78.6%.

In summary, stock sourced from the South-West (including Devon, Cornwall, Bristol, Somerset and Dorset) accounted for 98.1%.

Elly Babbedge, from the Community Shop added: “The shop is thriving with customers and volunteers of all ages. As in other rural villages, it acts as a lifeline for many, and villagers are very proud of the way it is developing.

“With the holiday season upon us, volunteers now look forward to welcoming visitors from out of area as well as locals.”

The presentation certificate received is on display in the shop for all to see.

The not-for-profit community benefit society which runs the shop has about 40 volunteers and one shop manager.

It has been operating from the current site on a corner of land owned by the Methodists since May 2018.

In January the shop announced it had agreed a purchase price for the former Methodist Chapel.