VILLAGE shops have had the stuffing knocked out of them in recent years but in Grateley the community has continued to support its 'local shop' with enthusiasm.

Central to the shop's success has been store manager Linda Griffith who has provided the smile behind the counter for the past 20 years. After two decades of service shop proprietor John Stamp decided it was time to say thank you with a bouquet of flowers - and the parish council thought it such a good idea that they presented a bouqueton behalf of the village.

Mr Stamp said: "Without doubt Linda's knowledge and expertise is essential to the success of this shop and her presence makes all the difference.

"People come to shop here not just for the things they can buy but to ask her advice about cooking." Home-cooked food is a major part of the shop where it is possible to buy home- cooked hams, cakes and home-made jams and marmalade.

For the full story see Friday's Andover Advertiser.