TODAY the village of Middleton Tyas enjoys the benefit of its own shop once more.

A year ago, what was the village shop closed after the owners decided to convert the building to a house. It was a familiar story, a story we have reported on too many previous occasions.

This time however, thanks to a community spirit which Middleton Tyas seems to have no shortage of, the story is very different. A co-operative has been formed to raise money, obtain grants and organise a team of volunteers. It will be a shop run by the community, for the community, with any surplus being used for the benefit of the community.

It sounds very idealistic but the individuals who have drawn this project together over the past year seem to a good grasp of the practical difficulties they will face once the shop is open.

All those concerned about the issue of services in rural areas will hope the Middleton Tyas community shop is a success. Although the community co-operative model is by no means unique, it is the first time it has been tried in this part of the world and other communities faced with the loss of their shop will look on with interest.

In Middleton Tyas, after the opening celebrations are over and ballyhoo has died down, it will be up to the community to repay the faith paid in it by making good use of the re-instated facility. It's a cliche maybe, but villagers have to use it or lose it.