A BRAND new community shop has opened in the Teign Valley after months of anticipation.

Christow Community Shop open to rapturous applause on November 5.

Speaking at the opening, Chairman of Christow Community Shop, Jude Jones, said: ‘I has been a bit of a journey to get here, but as from 5.30pm tonight, we can say that Christow has a shop!’

The village’s last shop closed in May 2023, leaving villagers having to travel further afield of their grocery shop, but no longer!

More than £50,000 was raised since the closure by Christow residents, as well as the wider Teign Valley community - the funds being invested into a new community-orientated shop and hub.

The new shop, located within a fitted-out shipping container in the village’s car park, stocks the essentials like dried goods, confectionery and toiletries, but also locally produced items such as fudge and cider.

‘It is going really, really well, the opening night was amazingly busy, it was great’ said Jude.

‘We have had lots of people coming in, a complete demographic throughout the day’ Jude added.

Those behind the shop are aiming for it to be open from 7.45am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm on Saturdays and 9.30am to 12pm on Sundays.

And while more than 40 people have expressed an interest in helping, the shop still needs additional volunteers to help cover the opening hours.

Those interested in lending a hand should visit Christow Community Shop’s website.