A PUB landlord has re-opened a village shop, which closed at the end of last year, to make sure people can get supplies.

Graham Hill, who runs the Cross Keys in Rowde, near Devizes is a member of the village’s Covid-19 support group led by the parish council.

Mr Hill and his wife Teresa was forced to close the pub along with all other hostelries back in March but he has kept it open for take-away food on Saturdays.

Then two weeks ago he decided to ask his landlord Wadworth if he could re-open the adjoining shop and it was back in business last week.

He said: “Due to this horrible virus a lot of the community are stuck with nothing and no transport.

“Over the past few weeks the Covid support group in Rowde has been doing shopping and getting the essential bits for the needy.

“So my wife and I approached Wadworths and have taken the shop back on. We are selling essential goods but if people think there is something missing they can let us know.”

Mr Hill is also keeping spirits high in the village by playing music in support of key workers on Thursday evenings.

Villager Lisa Wills said: “He has been respectful to the villages and we all share the clapping and Graham then plays another set.”