TWO North Yorkshire communities on the brink of losing their village shops are hoping some innovative solutions could save them from permanent closure.

Newsham's could be the first to go, this weekend. The Post Office has issued a closure notice for Sunday.

But the parish council is spearheading a bid for a long-term solution - an extension at the village hall which would house a shop and post office.

If Richmondshire District Council backs the project, the next step would be a meeting to discuss possible sources of funding - although the parties involved are not yet prepared to elaborate on the scheme.

Villagers in Middleton Tyas, near Scotch Corner, find themselves in the same boat.

After 13 years behind the counter, Jim and Nan Hall are ready to retire, but they can find no one willing to fill the breach.

"It has been on the market for some time, but we just haven't been able to find a buyer," said Mrs Hall.

"Property in Middleton Tyas is expensive, so the shop would have to do well to cover the mortgage, and in the current climate, that's difficult to achieve."

The family have covered their options by putting in a planning application to convert the shop back to residential use, but it is a move that has prompted some dismay in the village.

There may be a glimmer of hope. The couple's daughter, Sarah, is willing to run the shop and post office, if the Post Office will sanction restricted opening hours between 9am and 3pm.

Richmondshire District Council already offers rate relief to ease the burden on village shops, although council leader, Councillor John Blackie, said he is hoping more can be added to the package in future.

"As soon as council funds allow, we hope we can build a system which allows people who live in rural communities to pay their council tax and rent at their post office.

"There will be a small fee to cover the administration, but it may be the service will offer some hope."