FRESHLY-baked cakes washed down with wine helped villagers celebrate the official opening of their new community-owned shop.

The ribbon to open Clapham's village store was cut by Wyn Graveson, who ran the shop in the 1960s and 70s.

The former shop was closed in May last year, but villagers convinced that it could be a success with the backing of the community raised £38,000 in grants and donations in just six weeks to start it up again.

Don Gamble, chairman of the management committee, said: “Villagers were missing the convenience of a local shop, as well as a place to bump into friends and have a chat, and the support we’ve had from residents has been fantastic. It’s a significant achievement and it shows what we can do when we work together. We’re determined to make the shop a success and to make it the heart of our community.

"For a rural community like ours the village shop is more than just a shop but it does have to be a successful business so we need to give excellent customer service and provide the products that people want."

The store is being run by a full-time paid manager with the help of a team of volunteers.

The shop has received start-up grants from the Yorkshire Dales Sustainable Development Fund, Craven District Council, the Craven Trust, Clapham Parish Council, and the Harold and Alice Bridges Charity, and it has been supported by the Plunkett Foundation, the Ingleborough Estate and Clapham Development Association. The store’s first annual general meeting for its shareholders will be in June.

Mr Gamble added: "The village store is another success story in Clapham’s efforts to become more resilient and to develop initiatives that benefit the whole of the community.

"Community ownership of shops, pubs and other enterprises is a possible solution for communities wanting to ensure a sustainable future for rural services."