BROUGHTON'S community shop has finally opened for business.

Since the Village Store closed 15 months ago, locals have been forced into 12-mile round trips for essentials.

But following a major community effort, the premises were bought, refitted and finally stocked.

Local MP David Mundell cut the ribbon at the store two weeks ago following the refurbishment.

And the doors finally opened to customers on Saturday with a brisk trade being reported over the first few days.

Christopher Lambton, chair of the Upper Tweed Community Enterprise group, told us: "There is still a little work to do - a sink to be plumbed in, hot pie and coffee machines to be installed, newspaper accounts to be transferred, and further stock to arrive, but it is already clear that this is a spacious, clean and well-stocked shop that is a pleasure to visit.

"Come and visit, buy something, and if we haven't got what you want let our manager Jen know."

Broughton Community Shop is open on week days between 8am and 6pm.

And also between 9am and 2pm on Sundays.

Mr Mundell has congratulated the Upper Tweed Community Enterprise group for leading the way with the purchase and opening.

He said: "A village shop can be an important hub in rural life in many ways and I'm delighted to see how well Upper Tweed Community Enterprise have carried this project forward so well."

The opening hours and services offered by the new store will regularly be reviewed.