A COMMUNITY shop on Portland has reopened with a brand new look - a silver lining after a shock ram-raid attack.

The Co-op at Fortuneswell has had a £500,000 refurbishment following the incident last November, when thieves used a stolen Land Rover to rip a cash machine out of the store front during an overnight smash-and-grab that left locals reeling. Two men forced entry to the store stole a quantity of money before making off in a blue Audi S3 Quattro.

But there's a happy ending because the store has reopened with a shiny new look - and there's more to the makeover than initially meets the eye, because the shop is now powered by 100 per-cent renewable electricity.

There is also a new in-store bakery, and the branch has a renewed focus on healthy food and fresh produce, as well as a new vegan brand called GRO, and the usual fairtrade ranges. A free ATM is also available - although it is now at the rear of the store.

Leon Pettinger, manager of the Fortuneswell Co-op, said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to invest such a significant amount in Fortuneswell - the store has a great new-look and range and we have received great feedback. I am confident the improvements will enable us to better serve our local community. Co-op aims to operate at the heart of local life, and create value in our community.

"We should like to thank the community for its patience during the works, and we look forward to welcoming customers old and new into their new-look Co-op."

Other green initiatives at the branch include the Co-op's special compostable green carrier bags. The bags cost five pence and can be used as a food waste caddy liner in the home, or be turned into peat-free compost.

In an updated statement about the ram-raid at the Co-op, Dorset Police renewed the appeal for members of the public to report information that could advance the case.

A police spokesman said: "Our investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55190175623. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org."