Hundreds of people gathered to celebrate the opening of a brand new community shop and cafe as TV star Nick Knowles officially cut the ribbon.

The opening of the village shop was the culmination of 20 years of work for the team of two staff and 28 volunteers who have been running a not-for-profit community hub from Blunsdon Village Hall since the last shop in the village closed.

The team were gifted the site on Sams Lane as part of Hayfield Homes’ new 70-home Hayfield Wood development, and were able to fund the brand new £72,000 shop thanks to the help of the local community.

Around £35,000 was raised through grants, but community support through shares, personalised paving blocks outside the shop and events like bingo nights accounted for the rest.

Chairman of the management committee Nigel Beasant was thrilled with what his team had achieved for the community.

Swindon Advertiser: The new community shop.The new community shop. (Image: Newsquest)

“We’re incredibly proud that we’ve got a building the village can be proud of and enjoy for years to come”, he said.

“It has been a long journey and all projects are long so it has been stressful at times, but we’ve got here which is the key thing.

“Raising the money was a stressful job but we knew we could count on the village for some of that and they contributed to half of it in some form or another.”

The shop was due to open in the spring of 2022 but was delayed by a year, although BBC presenter Nick Knowles, who officially declared the new site open, believes it was worth the wait.

Swindon Advertiser: A large crowd turned out for the opening.A large crowd turned out for the opening. (Image: Newsquest)

The DIY SOS and Who Dares Wins presenter unveiled the highly anticipated shop in front of a packed-out crowd.

He said: “It’s a great achievement and a great boon to the community. Hayfield have done a great job on the development and it looks like a really great place.

“Most important was the engagement with the community and being part of the community, rather than just building in it, which has resulted in this amazing building.

“This place will be what you make of it and there is a great community opportunity here.”

Those who made the trip were also able to sample the broad range of products on offer at the new shop, which is also equipped with a dine-in cafe selling coffee and cake.

Swindon Advertiser: Inside the new shop.Inside the new shop. (Image: Newsquest)

This included fresh fruit and vegetables, freshly baked bread, alcohol and eco-friendly products.