PUB bosses have opened a new shop in their car park to spare residents in a village traveling for essential goods.

Publicans Rachel and Kevin Sarbutts, who run The Rettendon Bell, are running the one and only shop in the area which provides fresh produce, bread and meat.

Some of the goods are provided by a greengrocers from Billericay and a butchers in Basildon.

The shop has been set up in a cabin and means residents in Rettendon no longer need to make a 5-mile round trip to their nearest supermarket.

The village store was opened with the expert help and a Community Services Fund grant from Pub is The Hub, the not-for-profit organisation that helps pubs to diversify and provide essential local services.

Rachel said: “It has been such a challenging time for local people and the village store will be such a lifeline.

"Getting this up and running has been such a team effort with both staff and local tradesmen helping us.”

Kevin added: “All the staff in the pub will also be serving in the shop meaning that everyone will see a familiar face when they pop in to pick up their shopping.

"We are currently looking at setting up a click and collect service and are also keen to run deliveries so that we can meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our local community.”

Pub is The Hub regional advisor Jeremy English said: “The opening of the store at The Rettendon Bell has great support from those living in the village.

“There are also future plans for a Sub Post Office at the pub which will be another big benefit for those living in the area.”