The Hallgatebank Hub says it's now looking to help more people on lower incomes as it expands its product lines.

The store, which includes a cafe, art gallery and weekly post office, was started three years ago as a community initiative after the closure of the local Co-op – plus a number of others along the A689 – left them without a local shop.

Last week it announced however an expansion of more than 100 products to its range to help the local community.

Manager James Oates, who’s been at the store for about four months, said: “We already have about 1,000 products in the store but now we’ve gone for the lower-branded items, which are cheaper because there, for example, is a lot of social housing in the area.”

He added that they were stocking gluten free and free-from foods that don’t include specific ingredients that could spark allergies and intolerances.

Throughout the lockdown the hub provided a lifeline for is customers – launching a home delivery service for local residents in isolation and opening seven days a week for people to buy essentials.

At its height it was making about 40 home deliveries a week.

James added: “When it started it was basically helping out with the Beast from the East where we started delivery services through volunteers.

“When it came to Covid-19 we already had a lot of people volunteering so we were able to do this.

“I think that the volunteering element is one of the chief elements of success, the fact that we have people who will give up their time to help.”

On Wednesday the hub put out a call to all artists as it starts to put its gallery together for next year. It’s looking for 2D artists of any media and genre.

Anyone who would like their work to be considered can email events@hallbankgatehub.org by December 15.

For information about the hub, or to volunteer, go to hallbankgatehub.org