‘Thoughtful souls’ have shown their appreciation for their village shop which is still operating throughout the pandemic.

Volunteers at Thorncombe Village Shop had a surprise recently when they arrived to start the day and saw the colourful banner, praising all they were doing.

Anne Johnson-Rooks, chairman of Thorncombe Village Shop Management Committee, said: “Thorncombe Village Shop were delighted, on opening up recently, to discover a banner erected opposite the shop by parishioners.

“As most of the shop volunteers are self-isolating at present, many younger villagers have joined up as temporary volunteers, keeping the shop open by manning the tills, taking orders and delivering food to the more vulnerable. It is hoped that some of these volunteers will continue to give an hour or so once we are free from lockdown measures, that our loyal older volunteers will return as soon as they feel able to, and, of course, that all the new customers we have been able to serve will continue to come to the shop.

“We are at the hub of the village which is over five miles away from our nearest supermarket and so it is so very encouraging that we are appreciated.

“Our thanks go to the thoughtful souls whose idea it was to display such a colourful banner with such kind sentiments.”