BISHOP Graham Usher, the newly appointed Bishop of Dudley, recently visited Feckenham Community Shop during a day he spent getting to know the area.

He was accompanied by the Rev Sheila Banyard of Droitwich.

After a tour of the shop, he said: "I congratulate the shop on five years' splendid voluntary service to the local community, and for providing an outlet for local food producers and Fair Trade goods."

The shop is one of a growing number of community shops - there are now more than 300 in the country.

It has traded successfully since early 2009. As well selling local produce, some organic, and Fair Trade goods, it offers basic groceries and boasts a successful coffee shop, popular with locals, cyclists and walkers. It is staffed entirely by approximately 90 volunteers.