A village newsagent has been saved from closure by a local developer.

The premises on West Road, Carleton-in-Craven, have been bought by development firm RN Wooler and Company Limited, following the death of the previous owner.

Director Gareth Wooler said: “We’re a local, family firm through and through.

“My dad founded our business in 1985 based on the principles of providing quality construction in the local area and beyond.

“Preserving this amenity for the village of Carleton, to which our family has such close connections, always felt like the right thing to do. We hope to make improvements to the shop to make it a viable, sustainable proposition for the future and in line with this we’re looking for a suitable shop tenant.”

Declan Hayes, a partner in law firm, AWB Charlesworth LLP, who advised the Woolers on the purchase, said: “I’m delighted to have been able to assist in the successful conclusion of the purchase of this vital village resource in order to assure its future.”

The project has also been assisted by Michael Beech, of Windle Beech Winthrop, who will act as marketing agent for the shop lease.