A group of villagers have raised £170,000 to save their shop in just four weeks.
People living in Kirkoswald launched a £200,000 bid to save their shop following the death of its owner.
They asked people to buy shares and said they have been overwhelmed by the support.
They raised £125,000 through the share offer, which triggered several grants taking the total raised so far to £170,000.
Ruth Anderson MBE, chair of the management committee, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support we have seen from individuals and businesses, not just in our local community, but from people across the country and the world!
“But it doesn’t stop there for us.
“We are now in the final weeks of our campaign and hope that the generosity and community spirit will continue, helping us to raise the final £30,000 needed to reach our target.
“The share offer is still open and anyone who would like to own a piece of Cumbria and be part of our amazing story can still do that.”
Kirkoswald has had a shop for over 100 years and campaigners say the shop not only provides essential goods but is also a community hub to exchange
information, to help tackle rural isolation and is a lifeline for those without transport.
For more information, visit www.kirkoswaldshop.co.uk
