SPRUCING up the front of the village shop has not just attracted welcome attention in Thorncombe.
A shopping mall in Blythe, Southern California, contacted the shop to say after searching for ‘beautiful shops’ on the internet, they came across the quaint village shop.
They loved the design and have since produced a replica shopfront in their mall.
Shop volunteer Amy Ralph said: "We are used to getting walkers and cyclists from further and further afield these days, but to have contact from California was a big surprise.
“It's lovely to hear from another small, dynamic enterprise, and in showing off what we have to offer it's reminded us of just how lucky we are to have such a great shop and such amazing products on our doorstep.”
The American shopping mall sent the shop a gift package of Californian goods, including local honey and handicrafts.
In return, volunteers in Thorncombe sent a goody bag including a calendar, Dorset door knobs, handmade cards and a copy of their favourite Chard and Ilminster News.
The shop is also holding pop-up restaurant nights on Thursdays 5.30- 7pm.
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