A NORTH Herefordshire community has joined forces to re-open a village store which closed last year.

The shop is being relaunched as Mortimer County Stores, a co-operative funded through shared-ownership, fund-raising activities and grants.

Only Fools and Horses star John Challis will officially open the store on Saturday at 11am.

The Mortimer County Stores team, part of the wider “Inspired Wigmore” movement, has vowed to offer a wide selection of produce and support Herefordshire businesses wherever they can.

More than 50 residents are involved in the movement to make the area more self-sufficient, resilient and mutually supportive.

The shop team is also keen to provide opportunities in the Wigmore area by hiring two part-time members of staff and taking on volunteers.