THE Delabole Community Fundraising shop has long been a cornerstone of the village, serving the residents for well over six years.

Projects that have been supported over this time include St Piran’s Play School, the Mini Minors, the Delabole Horticultural Society, the church, the chapel, the primary school and the village defibrillator.

The current management committee decided to use the quiet months of this winter to do some long overdue redecoration work to give the shop a bright new look for 2017. On Wednesday, March 1, they invited local councillor, Dominic Fairman, Liberal Democrat county councillor for the St Teath and St Breward ward, to officially reopen the shop to the public.

A special cake had been ordered for the occasion and along with the chairman, Mr Hodge, and the secretary, Mrs Chapman, all of the current volunteers joined Chris Richards, the manager, in the celebration.

Chris said: “We are delighted with the results of all the hard work over the last few weeks and would especially like to thank all of my volunteers. At the moment, we are planning to open from 10am until 12.30pm every week, and hope later on to extend this to afternoons and Saturday mornings.”

Cllr Fairman said: “I was delighted to be asked to cut the ribbon on this special day for the committee. When I came into post, it was one of the first places I went to for support to keep the lollipop lady at the school, and without question they immediately came forward with a contribution.

“Services like these support the village in so many ways and the fresh, new look will make the shop even more inviting for local people to shop for a bargain, or offer their good unwanted items, knowing they are helping a good cause. It is also a great place for people to simply come and chat.”

The shop is actively looking for new volunteers. For those interested in helping — even if only for a couple of hours a week — please drop in and leave relevant details.