Village-owned post office expands

Planners have given approval for the single-storey extension

Work is starting on the expansion of a Devon post office that villagers clubbed together to keep going.

Villagers formed the Berrynarbor Community Enterprise co-operative to take over their local post office when they heard it was closing in 2004.

About 35 volunteers do four-hour shifts at the post office shop and it is making a small profit.

The £140,000 extension is being funded by grants, a mortgage and local fundraising events.

Work on the single-storey building is going ahead following planning permission approval.

Devon Renaissance, the Plunkett Foundation and North Devon District Council have given grants.

Raffles, dances, a golf tournament and a German-style outdoor Christmas market are also being held to raise the remaining several thousand pounds needed for the expansion.

The co-operative started by selling shares in the post office, raising more than £10,000 in two months.