Gawsworth Shop is appealing for more volunteers so it can extend its opening hours and run a range of activities organised by its new community Hub later this year.

Due to lockdown regulations, the community run village shop has been closing at 1.30pm during the week.

But with Covid restrictions hopefully remaining on track to ease, it plans to revert to its previous opening hours of 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday, and extend its Saturday opening hours to 1pm.

Sunday hours from 8am to 10.30am will remain unchanged.

Over the last year, Gawsworth Shop has attracted volunteers from a variety of different backgrounds.

Local resident Molly Ross (28), offered to help when she was furloughed as a charity worker at the Prince's Trust last June.

"I've really enjoyed getting to know all the different people in the village," said Molly.

"For just a few hours a month, its been an easy commitment to make and wonderful to be part of such a sociable, warm environment where everyone is so appreciative,"

Molly has continued to volunteer at the shop every Sunday, despite returning to her role with the Prince's Trust last August.

She finds helping at the community-driven store experience enjoyable and rewarding.

The shop, situated on Longbutts Lane, currently has 39 volunteers.

Human Resources Coordinator Daryl Williams said: "Its been tough, but the support and commitment of our volunteers has meant the shop has remained open during lockdown to serve our community.

"Our priority now is to attract more volunteers to enable us to return to our previous opening hours and bring our loyal customers back together."

It will formally open its new community Hub later this year, which aims to develop a range of activities including coffee mornings, lunch catch-ups and a series of unique events.

The shop also welcomes volunteers who live nearby, such as Macclesfield and Congleton.

Gawsworth is just three-and-a-half mile drive south west down the A536, from Macclesfield town centre.

All people are welcome - they do not have to be from Gawsworth - and shop volunteers can be any age.

Interested people in the volunteer opportunities available should email [email protected].

Alternatively, you can call into the shop to pick up a volunteer application form.

For more information about the parish store, which celebrates their 10th birthday this year, please head to their website or Facebook.

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