A NEW store celebrating all things Exmoor has opened in Minehead’s Friday Street.

Set up by Elke Koessling-Winzer, the Exmoor Store sells quality items created in the local area ranging in price from £1.50 up to artwork worth £1,000.

The store has just opened and Elke says as well as selling items from local producers, the store will also serve a number of community functions.

“There are amazing producers who have contributed everything from arts and crafts to artwork to delicious food and drink, but we want this to more than just a store, “ Elke says.

“We have plans for an art and photo gallery where local exhibitors will be able to show their work, and we will also have a meeting room which is perfect for talks and presentations.”

In November the Exmoor Producers’ Association just up the road in Friday Street closed.

“Already we have seen items of jewellery, beautiful seaglass items created by a lady from Woolacombe, and felting kits have selling well,” Elke said.

Other items include tables carved from Exmoor Oak, photos and paintings by local artists, and clothes created locally.

“It has also been an outlet for some producers who are say, single mothers or people with mental health issues who might otherwise struggle to get exposure for their creations,” Elke said.

"We have had a lot of local people coming in saying this is exactly the sort of store Minehead needs, and feedback has been very positive.

“We also plan to have a large noticeboard highlight various events coming up.

“I hope it will encourage people to visit Friday Street more and I would also like to thank all the people who have helped us set up - we had a lot of people volunteering to help out.”

Elke, who is heavily involved in organising the Exmoor Food Festival, said the idea initially started as an online shop.

“The online store was already doing well, but when the opportunity arose to create a store that could sell quality items to locals as well as souvenirs for visitors it seemed too good to pass up.”

The store is up and running, but work on a food section and the photo gallery is still to be completed.