Musical mobile store is a big hit

Ms Collinson plans to expand the store

A businesswoman concerned about the decline in the corner shop has decided to bring a mobile store to villagers.

Lisa Collinson has taken to the road in a van, which plays the tune La Cucaracha, and serves 17 villages near her home in Ford End, Essex.

Lisa's Mobile Village Store delivers a range of food and household products from sausages to toilet cleaners.

Ms Collinson said the store has been so successful she is now planning to expand the business.

"It's alright for people who can drive and get to the local shops but people who can't like the elderly find it difficult," Ms Collinson said.

Ms Collinson now makes her rounds five days a week

Ms Collinson became aware of the problem shortly after moving to the village and decided to make a few changes.

"I had a few thoughts about it and one Sunday morning I woke up and thought let's put a van on," she added.

Ms Collinson now makes her rounds five days a week, including Sunday.

One customer said: "In Ford End you've got to travel five miles to get a pint of milk and a loaf of bread and the last thing you want to do on Sunday morning is get in a car and drive.

"It's fantastic. You hear the chimes, everyone grabs their coat, you run out into the street and you can get everything you need."