A VILLAGE shop and its team of volunteers have been going above and beyond the call of duty to support the community during the coronavirus pandemic.

Fifteen villagers have stepped up to help keep the store in Castle Hedingham running after many of its regular volunteers had to self-isolate.

The shop is an important part of the village, with many residents relying on its services.

County and district councillor Jo Beavis and Julia Allen-Crockett who started the community-run shop are just two of the volunteers that have been working regular shifts behind the counter and stocking the shelves.

Other volunteers include Alex, a young Hedingham School pupil making daily newspaper deliveries, Jayne Laken who works behind the counter and Brenda Beadle, who is the main telephone contact for village residents who are self isolating.

Mandi Dixon and Penny Doe, from the Bell Inn, are also making washable fabric face masks, which are available in the shop.

The shop has been singled out in Braintree Council’s ‘Heroes’ campaign. The council is publishing stories about the efforts and achievements of residents who are helping in the fight against coronavirus.

Parish Council clerk said: “It really is an all-round community effort in Castle Hedingham to support isolated people and provide a lifeline for more vulnerable members of our community.

“I also want to say thank you to the parish council who have been absolutely supportive and enabled the community to muster a quick response to changing situations.

“We are grateful to all our customers, old and new, for their patience and good humour, respecting social distancing measures and giving us a smile and so many words of thanks to the volunteers.

“And of course our regular customer Richard Van Dulken who nominated us!”

Braintree Council leader Graham Butland said people are “playing a vital role during this extraordinary time”.