THIRTEEN years ago, Appleton’s village shop was under threat.

But members of the community, who live in the village off the A420, rallied to save it and it has gone from strength to strength.

Now their efforts have been recognised by the Plunkett Foundation, a national organisation recognising the development of community-owned shops.

Appleton Community Shop has been shortlisted for awards in the Co-operation in Action and Contributing to Community Life categories.

Jerry Uren, chairman of the Appleton Community Shop management group, said: “There is no doubt the shop plays an important part in our community.”

Store manager Claire Salmon said: “It is absolutely fantastic that we have been nominated for two awards. I think it’s down to our contribution to community life.”

Volunteer Graham Rose, 66, said: “The shop is very successful with an annual turnover of about £225,000. When we started out we had 60 volunteers and now we have 90.”

East Hagbourne Community Shop near Didcot and Ewelme Village Store near Wallingford have also been nominated for awards.

Shop representatives will attend the awards ceremony at Bicester Hotel, Chesterton, on June 26.