THE TEAM at a village shop has paid tribute to its customers for reciprocating the community spirit during hard times.

Simply Fresh, known locally as Gosforth Shop, has gone above and beyond for its customers during the Covid-19 pandemic and three national lockdowns, which have proven to be a challenging period for vulnerable people.

People of Gosforth have returned the favour, embodying the “shop local” campaign whenever they can.

David said: "We have received good support from not only local residents, but also contractors working in local industry and people from the surrounding areas in store. For those isolating we expanded our home delivery service in the first lockdown.

"The response was excellent. We were pleased to be able to provide this service particularly for the elderly and vulnerable. Gosforth is a lovely village and it has been great to see the area pull together."

Co-owner David Ancell said: “Our van is currently out of action because we did an additional 20,000 miles doing newspaper and grocery deliveries last year.

“We are extremely grateful to our hardworking staff and local volunteers who go above and beyond with deliveries - it's a true dream team at the shop."

Customer Elsa Mason: “We use the Gosforth shop for our weekly shopping and are always delighted with the service we get. They stock great quality products and we have benefitted hugely from both their delivery service and their click and collect service too.” Elsa said: “They have been a great support to our community, helping us and others to keep going during the various lockdowns. Not only a great shop, but great people and staff too.

David and Michelle Ancell also own The Red Admiral, a well loved hotel, restaurant and pub in the village. They added to their business portfolio in December, taking over as publicans and despite the challenges to hospitality posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ancells are making a success of it.

David said: “Michelle and I are thoroughly enjoying the new venture and we are looking forward to the year ahead with optimism. We have a lot planned for the coming year. We are particularly looking forward to sunnier days as we hope to develop the beer garden serving delicious BBQ & house smoked food. We also have our permanent marquee which can be used for functions and weddings when Covid-19 restrictions end.”

They have taken on the new venture with the help of chef Lorne Jeffrey. His classic French cuisine is going down a storm in Gosforth.

Simply Fresh is currently open as an essential business and they are working tirelessly to serve their village. They offer the local delicacies of Cumbria as well as your cooking essentials.

To get in touch call 019467 25232 or pop in to the store on Gosforth Main Street.