THE first step towards the building of a new village post office and stores took place on Monday.

Villagers and customers of Oake Post Office and District Community Shop witnessed the cutting of the first turf for the new premises.

The honours were carried out by parish council chairman Sue Davies, and also attending were committee members of the community benefit society that runs the shop, builders from Blue Wave Construction, and Sarah Dummer-Wade of the National Lottery Community Fund.

Oake WI provided refreshments in the village hall afterwards.

The current post office and store in a bungalow in Saxon Close is being replaced by an extension to the village hall.

A total of £140,000 is being raised to fund the project, with £95,000 from the National Lottery Reaching Communities Fund and other sources.

The new shop will be bigger than the current facility and will offer more services for staff, volunteers and customers.