PUB landlords have reopened a village’s only shop.

Terry Hunter and Natalie Burkett moved to Great Tey to run the Chequers, but found their customers were unhappy after 18 months without a shop.

The couple decided they could open one and, with the support of the village, the Greene King brewery and a grant from Essex County Council, it is up and running.

Mr Hunter, 50, who has run the pub in The Street since November, said: “We did not plan this when we took over the pub, but everyone who came in was unhappy the village shop closed down and they needed one so we started to do it.

“We had two part-time staff who are now full-time and work in the pub and the shop, so we have been able to create jobs.”

The shop, in a building at the back of the pub, is a small general store. Its stock will be dictated by the villagers.

Mr Hunter said the opening on Wednesday had gone well, with 30 to 40 villagers already coming in to take a look.

He said: “We have still got things to get, and are committed to getting what the customers want.

“Greene King, which controls the pub, has been excellent.

“You have to diversify to keep going, and this will bring people into the pub as well in what is a superb place to live.”

The shop will be open from 8am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, and from 10am to 2pm at the weekends.

John Jowers, councillor responsible for communities at Essex County Council, said: “This is a perfect example of how the retail enterprise fund has helped to make our small towns and villages thrive and improved the quality of life for their residents.”