THE first fundraiser in a bid to build a new community-run village shop has been hailed a tea-riffic success.

Villagers in Gosfield staged an afternoon tea to kick off fundraisers for the ambitious £80,000 appeal.

Gosfield Lake Golf Club stepped in at the last minute to provide a venue for the event, which was attended by 50 residents.

Local councillor Joanne Beavis said: “The afternoon tea at Gosfield Lake Golf Club was a great success and raised £300 toward the fund to build a new shop.

“Pre-application advice is commencing with Braintree Council in terms of building a new shop for Gosfield and it looks like an extension to the playing field pavilion may be the preferred option for Braintree Council to consider.

“The village shop is run by 50 volunteers and provides a vital service to this rural village.

“Gosfield, like most communities in the district, will see some housing growth and the need for a village shop and valuable services will grow in line with this growth.”

Villagers hope to build a new shop on the side of the pavilion.

The playing field, in Church Road, is developing into the new centre for the village and being used by more groups.

Two new housing development sites are also being considered in locations close to the centre of the village.

Mrs Bevis added: “The village shop is an important hub for sharing information and local transactions.

“The new village shop will be left as a legacy to the village in order that this vital service to the village continues.”

The event included a show by singer ‘Mac’ Butcher, who performed some swing and early favourites.

A quiz night and a rock and roll night in Gosfield are set be the next organised events to raise money for the new village shop.

So far, more than £1,000 has been raised and over the course of the coming weeks every home in Gosfield will receive a hand-delivered letter seeking donations for the appeal.