PAINSCASTLE's plucky population has been busy reinventing its redundant bus shelter to provide what is now an all-purpose village hub.

Within its modest confines, villagers have installed a small library, useful local information, lists of what's on in this small community in the hills above Clyro, and an entire history of Painscastle.

Meetings and workshops take place here, and the grandly named Painscastle Information Centre also provides a collection point for used postage stamps - and a growing number of bras.

A helpful notice advises visitors that this spot is not a bus stop, Painscastle's regular service petered out "many years ago".

There is no longer a Mayor of Painscastle, so with the ceremonial opening of the hub, the village elected local farmer Roy Price to do the job.

Wearing breeches and a bowler hat, as well as a mayoral chain specially fashioned for the occasion, he duly opened the building for business. Mr Price's own great-grandfather, William Price was the official Mayor of Painscastle in 1872 when Victorian diarist, the Rev Francis Kilvert, then curate at Clyro, came knocking on his door.

Now, visitors can take their pick from a plethora of leaflets stored in the old bus shelter, and gaze upon the rich and diverse history of the village - including a comprehensive study of the castle. Once a watering hole for drovers, Painscastle was blessed with seven pubs, now thirsts are quenched at the lone survivor, the Roast Ox.

The last service bus might have left long ago, but now the bus shelter is a thriving, working hot spot. Permission to transform the little building was sought from Powys County Council, a grant came from Painscastle Community Council and local builder Simon Balm put the neglected structure in order. The stamps and bras are amassed to send on to the Bracken Trust Cancer Support Centre in Llandrindod Wells, and local people use the centre as their own mini parcel depot.

Thanks to nearby Bryngwyn Women's Institute, behind the bus shelter, the old village well has become the centre point of a flourishing garden complete with seat.

"Painscastle has always had a reputation for having a strong community," says farmer's wife, Maureen Lloyd, who is hailed as a major "mover and shaker" in the village. She is editor of the well-thumbed newsletter, Rhosgoch Gossip which keeps everyone in this scattered area up to date with news.

Wendy and Den Ozols moved to Painscastle seven years ago. "We used to live in a London suburb," says Wendy, "but I wouldn't go back now if you paid me." There are pilates classes every week in the village hall, bowls, Mums & Tots, a history group, interests' committee and a well-supported mobile library. This is a can-do community where villagers are happy to pitch in to help.

Latest developments on the 'Knitted Painscastle' front can also be gleaned in the information centre. Under the guidance of Jackie Stephens, knitters meet up in the bus shelter where they stitch away to make a giant map of Painscastle and the surrounding farms and landmarks. Their plan is to complete the map in time for display at next summer's Hay Festival