A WEST Somerset village post office and shop has undergone a transformation - and acted as a charity collection point.

Wootton Courtenay Post Office and Villagers’ Stores has been the central point for people to donate gifts to Home-Start West Somerset, to brighten children's lives this Christmas.

The donations have been presented to the charity that offers support, friendship and practical help to families at home with children under seven.

Clare Pound, Home-Start manager, said: “We're absolutely thrilled to accept the kindly donated Christmas presents from the villagers on behalf of the families we’ve supported.

"We know this wonderful gesture will be highly appreciated and give huge pleasure to these families during difficult times.”

Sarah Fox and Mark Burgess took over as managers of Villagers’ Stores near Minehead in May, followed by repairs, redecoration of the shop frontage and a refit of the store.

It is now easier to serve post office and retail customers, while the better use of space has enabled an increase in the retail range.

Jewellery, ceramics and artwork by local artists have been added to the new-look shop.

The couple support the local economy by using local suppliers for bread, milk, cheeses, cold meats, pies, quiches, pasties, cakes and pastries.

There is a licensed micro bar (Skye’s Bar) and café, providing a meeting point for villagers.

Barbara O’Keefe, postmaster and chairman of the board of directors of the Villagers’ Stores, said: “The refurbishment of the shop and post office has built on the work carried by previous directors and tenants to further improve and develop the business and facilities.

“Skye’s Bar is currently open on Friday evenings. It provides a great opportunity for our village community to get together, and for villagers to meet up with friends, old and new.

"It also provides a venue for some of this busy village’s local groups to meet up.

“The village community has supported Home-Start West Somerset over a number of years, acting as a collection point for gifts for this wonderful charity.

"The shop is an ideal collection point as villagers are already coming in to post their Christmas cards and parcels, return home shopping items, pay bills, do their banking, withdraw cash buy everyday food and groceries and look at new gift ideas.”

Zoe Sprackling, Post Office business support manager, said: “It has been great to see all the improvements made in the past six months at Wootton Courtenay Post Office and Villagers’ Stores. It really is at the heart of this community.”