A NATIONAL award has been given to a popular community facility on Oldbury-on-Severn which only opened its doors for the first time last year.

The village’s community shop won the ‘One to Watch’ category at the 2015 Rural Community Co-operative Awards, organised by Plunkett Foundation, at the end of June.

The award, sponsored by The Co-operative College, recognises a commitment to community engagement alongside a sound financial performance in community co-operatives founded since the start of January 2013.

Since first opening in February 2014, the shop has become one of the pillars of the community providing its residents with a place to shop in the village.

Sarah Hayden chairman of the shop committee said: "We are overwhelmed to win such a fantastic award. We have learnt so much in our first year and the award is a true recognition of the dedication and total commitment shown by the 50-plus volunteers who have made the shop such a friendly place to work and such a success.

“We had a business plan from the start and in fact have exceeded expectations and would like to thank all the people in the parish and outside who have supported us from the opening day on February 8 2014.

“My thanks also goes to the many local suppliers who have made the shop such an attractive and interesting place to visit with its wide variety of products.

“We are enormously proud of what we have achieved in such a short time and if you have not visited us yet you will always find a friendly voice to welcome you."

Judges commended the shop for its community engagement, their financial success having made almost £10,000 profit in its first year, their support for local businesses, good management practice as well as their support of volunteers and community involvement.

Chris Awde, vice chairman of the committee, added: “The Shop has generated a real community spirit in the parish - something that many had said had been lost when the previous shop closed its doors some 15 years ago.

“So many people have made new friends from either being part of the close 'family' of volunteers that work in the shop or by just visiting the shop. The cafe, which is part of the shop, has become a centre piece for meeting friends, visiting cyclists and the many walkers who come into the beautiful village of Oldbury.”