A COMMUNITY shop which has been more than three years in the making has opened in Rixton.

The not-for-profit store in Manchester Road sells groceries, bakery items, newspapers and magazines and also has a coffee shop and a book exchange.

Hollins Green Community Shop opened in response to the village's parish plan when a 2011 survey revealed that the majority of residents wanted a convenience store.

The nearest supermarket to Rixton is three and a half miles away.

Manager Julie Atkinson works with three members of staff and almost 20 volunteers.

She said: "I'm so lucky because we have a lovely group of volunteers. We've got three school and college age volunteers doing it to get experience for their CVs.

"We have people who have retired and want to fill a gap in their lives and we even have volunteers who have full time jobs and still want to help.

"Some people who are relatively new to the village volunteer to meet new people and we have others who have been here for 40 years who know everybody and come for the banter."

Future plans for the shop are to offer internet access in store, a delivery service and paper rounds.

Julie, who previously worked at University Academy Warrington for seven years, added: "It's a close knit community.

"We're lucky to have people who want to help the village and we'd love to see the shop become a hub.

"People who are lonely come in for a coffee and a chat to break the day up and older people, who previously had to get a taxi to Tesco, have said they appreciate having this on their doorstep."

Money raised will be invested back into the store and put towards community projects.

Julie, of Briar Avenue, said: "We're happy to soon be in a position where we can ask for suggestions on what people would like to see in the village."