RESIDENTS have had a whip round to thank the staff and manager at their village shop.

Staff of Pensilva Stores have gone out of their way during the coronavirus pandemic, said Julie Thorpe, to support customers of the village and wider area.

’They have made sure that people can all still access the shop or have their shopping delivered.

’I think at the beginning of lockdown, the village shops were not given the recognition that they deserved. The staff at Pensilva Stores are not just doing their job, they have all gone above and beyond. Many of the staff are working more hours, whilst other staff are still doing their bit by shielding at home. The manager Sam Cooper has put in double the number of hours especially during those first few weeks, and Nelly Barton has been coming in on a Sunday afternoon to make sure that the order is done for delivery on a Tuesday morning.’

As a thankyou, Pensilva resident Gareth Ford organised a fundraising page which has brought in more than £500 so far.

’This was a lovely gesture for Gareth to do,’ said Julie, ’and shows the staff how much they are appreciated.’