Village shop is kept running by 59 volunteers

The shop serves a community of about 800 people

A small army of 59 volunteers has been praised for keeping a much-loved village shop open.

Ilsington Village Shop in south Devon is more than just a place to pick up groceries – it is a community hub, residents say.

Local produce, homemade cakes, posies of flowers and potted plants greet its visitors.

Fiona Coles, one of the few paid staff, said: "Without the volunteers, we wouldn't have a shop, they're amazing."

The shop opened in 2012 after years of fundraising by locals.

Volunteers Sue and Rachel are proud of the shop's role in bringing the village together.

"We try to keep things local and sustainable," Rachel told BBC Radio Devon. "It's massive for the community here."

Ilsington and its surrounding rural hamlets, which include Haytor, Sigford, Higher Brimley and Green Lane, have a population of about 800.

The previous village shop, which had served the community since 1905, closed in December 2008 because of the owner's family commitments.

The shop is vital for elderly residents and those without easy access to transport, say locals, who call it the "little shop with a big heart".

"It's a real lifeline," said Kate, a regular customer. "We're here two or three times a day."