More than 80 residents attended an information surgery in Chardstock Community Hall last Saturday, held to provide updates and answer questions about the village's efforts to save its shop and post office.

The community needs to raise nearly a quarter of a million pounds to take on the shop and post office before March 31, when the current owners of the community facility will be retiring.

The surgery, hosted by the Chardstock Community Shop Committee, lasted three hours and kept the six committee members fully occupied throughout the morning.

The chair of Chardstock Parish Council, Caroline Wilson, also participated in the event providing invaluable background and support for the committee's efforts.

While the main purpose of the surgery was to disseminate information, nevertheless nearly £40,000 in donations, share purchases and loans was raised on the day with more promised over the coming days.

"We were overwhelmed by the wonderful reactions of those attending", said committee chairman, Paul Spearing.

"There is clearly a groundswell of support for this project which is vital to the future of our lovely village"

Treasurer Rob Wheeler was delighted with the response from those visiting the surgery and the incisive questions that residents raised.

"They truly care about our village shop and the village" he said.

The shop and post office are due to close very soon upon the retirement of the current owners.

"We still have a long way to go," said another committee member.

"If we don't manage to raise the remaining £70,000 by our deadline, the community will still lose its most essential amenity – the beating heart of our village."

For more information please contact:

Rob Wheeler 01460 220115