THE team behind plans to open a community shop in East Morton say "exciting progress" has been made towards making the venture a success.

Volunteers have been working on having the village's old public toilet block converted into a new shop.

The Community Shop Steering Group held its annual general meeting last month. (April)

A spokesman for the group said: "£11,500 has been raised by the uptake of community shares and shareholders gave their overwhelming support to see building work begun.

"The amount raised so far will cover phase one of the building work to convert the disused toilet block into a community shop. The builders will start before the end of May.

"Funding applications have been submitted to raise additional funds for phase two, which will cover the internal finishing and initial fitting out of the property. Then the shop can open.

"Any initial profit or additional funding will be used to further improve the fittings and equipment.

"The opportunity to buy shares at £10 each has been extended. The more funds raised, the sooner the shop will be ready for opening."

The chairman of the volunteer group, Richard Tassell, said: “We now need volunteers to help with a whole range of activities.

"Anyone with the skills to help with setting up the shop, such as decorating, shop fittings, shelving, gardening, general maintenance or retail experience,

should e-mail me at eastmortonshop@outlook.com with their details.

"We need as much help as we can get – both through volunteers and financial support through to the continuing uptake of Community Shares.”

People can visit the East Morton Community Shop on Facebook for more details.