Bude’s refill shop opened its doors on April 13.

The shop is a non-profit organisation that offers residents a zero-waste alternative with their plastic packaging-free shop.

Bude’s mayor, Bob Willingham, opened the store and commended the work done to get the store up and running.

He said: “Well done to the ‘ReFill Team’ who opened the new shop in Belle Vue Lane. There has been a great turn out to see everything, from package-free personal care and cleaning products, to a delicious array of kitchen cupboard staples.

“At a time when supermarkets have been often accused of ‘green-washing’, a group of volunteers has tackled the issue of plastic waste head-on with an initiative to buy your shopping locally — without single-use packaging.”

Jackie Diffey, one of the steering committee, said the response since the opening has been phenomenal.

“It’s been beyond our expectations since we’ve started. It’s been absolutely amazing. In the last week and a bit we’ve had lots of people coming in, having a little reccee, or doing their full weekly shop.”

From an idea thrown around last September to the grand opening just seven months later, there has been a lot of work carried out.

“It’s been a worldwind. We’ve got it together in a very short space of time. There have been so many hoops to jump through but the support in the last few months has been absolutely stunning.”

There are many plaques on the hoppers (the dispensing units) naming the businesses that have each donated £100.

The majority of the stock is food items, such as dried pulses, lentils, cereals, nuts, seeds, dried fruit and herbs.

Jackie added: “You don’t have to buy a big amount of something. It’s particularly good for people that are living on their own or those who just want a small amount of something.

“You can come and get as much as you want. You’re not penalised for having a small amount.”

The shop has been set up as a Community Interest Company, run by volunteers. There are eight on the steering committee, and also a band of volunteers to help man the shop.

Jackie said: “As well as buying stuff without it being wrapped in plastic, people have been saying your prices are really good — that’s the icing on the cake.”