EARLY risers in Exford turned out in force last Saturday to enjoy the 7.30am celebratory re-opening of the village’s Exmoor Stores and welcome the new owners and a new manager.

Exford had been without its much-missed village hub since April 2019 when it closed on the death of former owner, Sally Gilbert, who ran the business for many years with her husband, Trevor.

Local investors Anna Connell and Henry Rawson, who with Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen, had clubbed together to buy the shop, held the ribbon which was cut by the Rector of Exford, the Rev David Weir.

Now managed by Hayley Hunter, the store has been refurbished and modernised and will sell a wide range of produce from fresh food and groceries to gifts, beers, wines and spirits

After its official re-opening, the Exmoor Stores will be open 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 12.30pm on Sundays.