ONCE a year a percentage of takings from St Mary’s Charity and Coffee Shop, Hemyock, is given to charity with the latest amount being more than £500.

The shop has been running for over five years and has given about £5,000 to charities.

Some £432 was given to the parish council as a contribution to the night-time landing lights for the Air Ambulance. And £108 was given to 1st Hemyock Brownies – the money will be used for a gardening project in the Church Room garden and churchyard.

The shop held at the Church Room, Castle Hill, three times a month runs from 10am-noon and provides a great place to socialise, enjoy coffee and cake, and seek a bargain among the enormous amount of good quality items for sale.

The shop is next open on Tuesday, February 20; Saturday, March 3; and Tuesdays March 13 and 20. The volunteers offer a warm welcome and visitors will meet many friendly faces.