Norfolk shop kept open by villagers working for free

The shop is staffed by villagers who work for free Credit: ITV Anglia

Itteringham's shop is being staffed regularly by a team of 25 villagers who work for free in order to keep it open.

There has been a shop on the site for over 350 years but it had faced tough competition from supermarkets and began to struggle - which is when the villagers stepped in.

They have now produced a book documenting the history of their shop by collecting photographs, newspaper cuttings and memories from villagers.

The book contains images of the shop from many years ago Credit: ITV Anglia
Itteringham's village shop Credit: ITV Anglia

The shop was leased by the Fairhead family from 1908 until 1994 when Brian Fairhead died. It was only saved from closure because the villagers raised nearly £5,000 to keep it open. Shortly afterwards they formed the Itteringham Community Shop association.

25 villagers staff the shop regularly Credit: ITV Anglia

With the villagers working for free the shop can save around £350 a week in wages, meaning the store can break-even.

It has also led to the creation of pop-up restaurants and cinemas in the village - with some of the profits going back into maintaining the shop.

Watch ITV Anglia at 6pm on ITV1 to see more on the shop.