Cash boost for 'valuable shops'

Five village shops in West Sussex are sharing £15,000 between them in grants from the county council.

The cash boost, from the council's Village Shops Programme, is in recognition of the valuable role they play in the community.

Spokeswoman Nola Hendon said local shops were "extremely important to the well being of our rural communities".

"They are not just businesses, they are essential to the vitality of communities and a lifeline for many."

The shops which will benefit are: Northchapel Stores and Post Office (£3,200); Kirdford Community Shop (£3,200); Graffham Village Shop (£3,000); Oaktree Stores, Ifold (£2,500); and Lodsworth Larder Village Shop (£3,200).