The owner of Ruan Minor Post Office and convenience store has opened a new community café thanks to £65,000 of investment.

Claire Bollard, who first opened the store in September 2013, used £35,000 of funding from HSBC, £22,000 from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and an £8,000 grant from the Post Office to refurbish the existing premises with new floors, ceilings, counters and shelves, as well as build and fit-out the new café, which seats up to 20 people at any one time.

The café is expected to create two new full time jobs and support a number of local businesses that will supply products to sell.

Claire said: “I spotted a gap in the market for a ‘one-stop-shop’ for locals and visitors alike. The team turned everything around incredibly quickly, allowing us to offer a warm and cosy meeting place just in time for the festive period when things get especially busy for us.”

Steve Hancock, HSBC area director in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, said: “Claire’s business provides a vital service to members of the community both in and around Ruan Minor so we were keen to help her take it to the next level.

“With the new café now open, it will provide a fantastic meeting place for local people, especially during the colder months, and the perfect stop-off for summer hikers."