RESIDENTS of a village near Ellesmere have been filled with praise for a new shop serving the needs of the community.

Richard Hadley, 38, and his family recently launched the Cockshutt Convenience Store at the village hall.

Cockshutt has not had a local shop for more than seven years and after becoming frustrated at this, Richard made the decision earlier this year to set up his own.

The shop has been open for around a month and has been a big hit with the locals.

"I have received great support from the committee of the village hall where I rent the room to run the shop," said Richard.

"We were that busy opening day that Peter, the booking officer for the village, helped me put the banners and posters up by the road to let people know we were open.

"I have received great support from the community.

"It is so nice when customers come in the shop and thank you for doing this, 'this is what we have needed in our village' they say.

"A man said due to his ill health, we is unable to drive so the shop is ideal for his to walk to, the Cockshutt Church reverend has been mentioning the shop to the community, and the local police officer came in and said how nice it was to have a shop here."