A COMMUNITY shop ran by volunteers to serve a North Herefordshire village has won a Queen's Award for Voluntary Service.

The idea for Wigmore Community Shop came from a group of residents who created “Inspired Wigmore”, back in 2008.

The shop which is open daily, stocks and promotes local produce. It is ran by a manager who is supported by 20 volunteers each offering between two and three hours a week serving and assisting in the shop.

The shop aims to act as a focal point for the village with a noticeboard to publicise news and forthcoming events.

Last week a celebration event was held at Wigmore Village Hall where Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Lady Darnley, presented a citation signed by Her Majesty the Queen and a heavy crystal that bears the Royal Arms.

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service is the equivalent of an MBE for a group.

Deputy Lieutenant Paul Deneen said that the shop’s volunteers had served the community well, providing not just normal shop facilities, but a wider range of social actions which benefitted the villagers and helped to make the village a more attractive place to live.

Alvin Smith, chairman of Wigmore Community Shop, added that the whole team at the shop enjoyed their roles and looked forward to continuing their services to the community.