FEARS that a village could lose its convenience store have caused concern.

The North-Eastern Co-op moved to reassure residents of Kimblesworth, near Durham, that there are no plans for immediate closure.

Managers will keep the store open until the end of the year while they try to find someone to take over the trade.

Resident Bob Reynolds said: "Closing this store would be detrimental to the local community.

"I am in the fortunate position of having a car but what about the many elderly people of the community or those who don't have a mode of transport.

"What will they do if they run out of milk or butter or need to use the electronic payment machine for their gas or electricity in an emergency after 5.30pm when the corner shop closes?"

A Co-op spokesman said the stores finances were suffering as a result of competition from Tesco at Chester-le-Street, and the J Sainsbury at Arnison Centre in Durham.

He added: "It is one of our smallest stores and it has been having trading difficulties for a number of years.

"We recognise it has become a community facility and have been subsidising it for some time but we can't do it forever."

The company is now looking for prospective traders to take over the business. Anyone interested should call (0191) 477 0291.