A community campaign to save a Cumbrian village shop has received a £1,000 boost from Persimmon Lancashire.

The Kirkoswald Community Shop buy-out appeal was selected by the regional team to benefit from its Community Champions scheme, which supports projects and groups in the area where the company is building.

Chair of the committee fighting to save the facility, Ruth Anderson, said: “The shop has been at the heart of our community for more than 100 years and is essential for locals and enjoyed by visitors. We couldn’t stand by and watch this vibrant village hub disappear.

“A community share offer raised the funds to buy the premises and Persimmon’s generous donation will help towards the cost of the fixtures and fittings.”

Once purchased, the shop will be run by a team of local volunteers. For more information or to support the appeal, visit www.kirkoswaldshop.co.uk

Diane Finch, Persimmon Lancashire’s regional sales and marketing director, said: “Our Community Champions programme was devised to help the organisations making a real difference to their neighbourhoods, and Kirkoswald Community Shop is a brilliant example of this.”

The Community Champions programme sees each Persimmon regional office make two donations of up to £1,000 every month. Groups working with the under-18s can also apply to the company’s Building Futures scheme, which is set to give away more than £1million.

Details of both funding initiatives and online application forms can be found at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity