A HAMPSHIRE community is celebrating after residents joined forces to raise more than £160,000 to save their village shop from closure.

The residents of West Meon clubbed together to collect the sum, allowing them to not only buy the listed building, but have it fixed, decorated and restocked.

As well as a supply of groceries and newspapers, the move will also mean West Meon's threatened post office will continue to stay open, as it has also moved into the shop.

More than 430 residents in the village signed up to The Community Shop Association, and say that as well as their shop they are also hoping to convert the back room into an Internet café.

A first-floor flat has also been created to provide further income, while £25,000 in grants has been received from Winchester City Council to help fund the venture.

Pamela Collins, who lives in the village and who has led the fundraising behind the project, said: "We needed to raise around £160,000 - to buy the business, complete the structural repairs required, rewire, fix the leaking roof, renovate the shop and restock.

"The support from our community has been amazing. People have contributed to the scheme by providing interest-free loans, buying shares, taking part in special events and patronising the shop.

"We still have plenty more to find, but it's really heartening to see the shop resurrected into a viable and vibrant enterprise."

George Beckett, leader of Winchester City Council, said: "This is an excellent example of a community pulling together for a common goal.

"The West Meon community shop is the result of hard work and inspiration, all by volunteers, and the council's contribution reflects that effort.

"The West Meon shop is a real model of a community enterprise and will, I am sure, be used as a benchmark for good practice. I hope it will inspire other communities around the Winchester District - and beyond."