A rural Norfolk pub has opened the doors to a new venture in an effort to help those living in its local community.
People living in Alpington, near Poringland, have previously had to travel miles to pick up even the most essential items.
But now, they will only have to walk down the road to their local, thanks to the Pub is The Hub, as Wheel of Fortune licensees Naomi Shulver and Barry Gelder have opened a store on the site.
Gelder said: “This is an important community service we are offering to people who live locally. We have a high number of elderly residents in the area and want to make sure there is somewhere for them to come for their food as well as having a safe space to meet.
“This is a pub for all people and we want everyone to have a warm welcome.”
The shop offers a range of products from milk, cheese and eggs to tinned goods and household items, with plans in the pipeline to work with more local suppliers and businesses.
Village resident and ITV Anglia news presenter David Whiteley officially opened the shop.
The pub has already become the hub of the community running events such as chatty café to help people overcome loneliness and social isolation.
It was also named the South Norfolk Pub of the Year for its commitment to developing the pub as an all-round village asset.
Expert help and a community services fund grant from Pub is The Hub was provided to support the opening of the store, which is in a former storage unit.
The shop is being run by trained volunteers and any profits made are being ploughed back into local community projects.
Pictured, from left, are Pub is The Hub regional director Terry Stock with Naomi and Barry
