BROCKWEIR Village Shop handed out community awards totalling nearly £2,000 to local organisations in a ceremony at the shop last Wednesday (25th March).

The awards were part of the 10th anniversary celebrations at the shop where, although there are some paid positions, a large team of volunteers are at the heart of the operation, giving their time to help run the shop and café.

Local groups and individuals were invited to apply for the awards for projects which benefit the community, and an independent committee assessed the applications. The largest award, £1,000, went to St Mary Magdalene Church, Hewelsfield, towards the installation of a toilet. Brockweir Playing Field Committee received £700 to buy a new spring for their zipwire, and Brockweir Moravian Church Hall was awarded £200 to buy a new table-tennis table.

"The idea behind the awards was to put something back into the community whose support, as customers and volunteers, has been the reason for the continuing success of the shop," said Philip Bradney, chair of the shop's management committee, who handed over cheques to the successful applicants.

"When the village shop was founded, it was intended that when its finances made it possible, the shop should support local community projects or services. The more people volunteer with us, and the more people shop with us, the more probable it is we will have further funds to distribute, and we are sure that the feeling of 'giving back' is a very important element in the support the shop receives."