The manager of a flood-hit village shop is appealing for help in finding a temporary building so she can continue serving the needs of her community.

Michelle Firminger, who runs Ponsanooth Village Stores, is looking for a donor or donors who can help cover the cost of a secure shed or portacabin so she can carry on selling staple goods and providing much needed post office and prescription collection services.

She has been in discussion with a local supplier, who have a suitable building worth £5,000 that they will provide and fit for just £2,000, but does not have the financial backing and says it’s not covered by insurance.

Michelle said: “It is starting to prove difficult to get some of the elderly to allow us to help them. Even the change in routine is unsettling for some customers, and many can't do the walk up the hill to the pub.

“This is all that stands between the village having a sensible village shop back again, and if the people in the village were able to build one, with their help and commitment to what is going on, then I know they would. But it is just not the case."

Local pub the Stag Hunt Inn is currently providing Michelle somewhere to sell basic provisions, but due to security reasons she cannot operate a full Post Office service from the building.

She added: “The post office have recognised it is so important to get something back up and running that they are trying to get hold of a suitable secure PO cabin. But as the PO works of the Internet, there could be up to a six week wait once they get a cabin for the telephone line to be installed.”

Anyone interested in helping can call 07957 863 140.