A COMMUNITY shop that helped deliver much-needed supplies to locals at the height of the pandemic received a visit from an MP last week.

Chris Loder, the MP for West Dorset, was in Thorncombe, Chard, on Friday (September 24) to find out more about the village shop and the role it plays in the community.

Anne Johnson-Rooks, chair of the Thorncombe Village Shop Management Committee, said: "Chris joined us for morning coffee, where we were able to show him what we are doing in this little community shop in our village.

"It was a busy morning, and we were able to introduce Chris to several of our volunteers while he enjoyed coffee a slice of delicious gluten-free cake.

"Our shop is run by a part-time supervisor and a loyal array of unpaid volunteers, without whom we would cease to operate.

"We are over five miles from the nearest supermarket, and during lockdown we were able to deliver orders to customers who were housebound, as well as packing orders for collection."

She said bookable Tuesday lunches and monthly breakfasts have now re-started, together with Saturday bacon baps, 'which are extremely popular'.

"We look forward to welcoming Chris again before long, and are so pleased that he expressed an interest in visiting us," Anne added.