RESIDENTS in Ashwater were delighted to discover their village community shop has been shortlisted for an award from the Plunkett Foundation.

The Plunkett Foundation said of the team behind Ashwater Village Community Shop, in Ashwater, Beaworthy: “During the snowy weather last winter, the team kept the community updated and were happy to deliver to customers. They also deliver a foodbank service and are excellent at fundraising and giving back to the community, raising over £8,000 in the last two years for charitable causes. They always go the extra mile for their community/customers and it is very clear to see that the shop is a vital resource and hub for the community.”

The community are avid fundraisers and recently raised £4,600 for charities through their ‘I’m a Local Celebrity, Get me out of Here’ event and £700 for Macmillan with a recent coffee morning.

The community’s efforts have now been recognised by the Plunkett Foundation who have shortlisted it for the ‘Investing in Local People’ award in its national Rural Community Ownership Awards, designed to recognise the very best examples in the sector. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Wednesday, December 5, at St Bride Foundation, London.