SANDFORD Community Stores has donated £5,000 to SACA (Sandford Area Community Action), which is now a small charity registered with the Charity Commission.

Originally SACA was the vehicle that was formed in order to co-ordinate the process of purchasing Sandford Post Office from Joan and Trevor Newstead in 2005.

Rather than wind up SACA it was decided to make it a small charity so that when the shop made any profits they could be donated to SACA, which then could donate small amounts to any groups in Sandford Parish.

A spokesperson said: "It is not often that we have good news in these troubled times but sometimes there is a silver lining to every black cloud.

"Lockdown has meant that more and more people have been stuck at home during lockdown.

"Sandford Stores has risen to the challenge of Covid with staff working long hours to create a safe environment for customers, staff and volunteers.

"This has resulted in more and more people using Sandford Community Stores instead of driving to Crediton and using the large supermarket chains."

He added: "If you shop local, the money stays local and an additional bonus of using Sandford Stores is that, as it is a non profit organisation, after running costs have been taken account of, any profits are distributed to organisations in Sandford Parish.

"Sandford Stores supports local suppliers and producers, thereby supporting local jobs and the local community."

The trustees of SACA said they are thrilled with the donation as the charity was down to its last £76.61. SACA can now, once again, ask for applications for a grant. Previous recipients of grants from SACA have been Good Companions, the Scouts, the Millennium Green and Sandford School.

If you live in Sandford Parish and can make a good case to receive a grant, please contact Charlie Werner on 01363 772691.