Community spirit will 'protect our village'

Residents in North Yorkshire are hoping their strong community spirit will help protect the future of their village.

While many rural areas are struggling to keep local shops and services going, a new store and tearooms are the latest addition in Eppleby near Richmond.

The village is home to around 400 people and nine miles from the nearest town.

It still has a school, pub, part-time post office and a thriving village hall but has been without a shop for a number of years after the last one closed down.

Anthony Allum, who owns the business, has lived in Eppleby for nearly 40 years and says everyone works together to do the best for the village.

He is not expecting to make a profit from the shop but hopes by adding to what Eppleby has to offer, younger families may decide to move in.