FOREST of Dean MP Mark Harper took time out of his busy schedule to visit The Shop at Bromsberrow where he met volunteers and visitors.

Mr Harper has taken a keen interest in the progress of the community venture and watched the business go from strength to strength, all based on the skills set and dedication of volunteers.

Taking tea and cake with members of the village, Mark heard from postmaster John Meredith on the ongoing matter of transferring the Post Office services to the shop, and promised to speak with those in authority to expedite proceedings.

Mark was accompanied by Roger Yates who has recently moved to the Dymock area, and is the candidate to stand for the District Council elections in May next year.

This was Roger's first visit to the shop and he remarked that he was pleasantly surprised and impressed by the shop venture.

It was a positive and memorable visit when Mr Harper agreed to sign the Mural Art Boards paid for, in the main, by Bromesberrow Parish Council, and which the children of Bromesberrow Primary School will be using to commence their art project in September.

Mark then purchased fresh local strawberries, local Bromesberrow Estate Ragged Stone Cider and local cheeses. Posing for photographs, Mark said he was delighted to be back at the shop where he has witnessed the numerous improvements to the infrastructure and the progress with various licenses to operate the business effectively in order to serve the local and wider community.