A PLEA has been issued to keep Shorwell Post Office and shop open following last month's sudden death of proprietor Marian Challoner.

There is a meeting on Monday in the village hall, at 7pm, to discuss the closure and enable the parish council to review ideas which are available for the local community.

Parish councillor, John Harrison, said: "The village of Shorwell is devastated that the village shop has closed after 32 years of being run by Marian and Cal Challoner.

"Marian was involved in nearly all the village organisations, raising money for so many good causes as well as being a Methodist lay preacher.

"The couple moved to the Island from near Birmingham and had got to know so much about the village community. The shop became the focus for village information.

"One of Marian's greatest achievements was to persuade villagers to donate shoe boxes with presents for poor children in the middle East and Asia, and at times there would be 200 shoeboxes filling the shop window.

"We are desperate to see the lifeblood of the village continue and want to hear from anyone willing to take on the challenge of managing the shop, on favourable rental terms.

"We are also looking for volunteer helpers if the shop can be operated as a community shop for the benefit of the community."

Anyone who can help, should contact the Shorwell parish on behalf of the owner at clerk@shorwellparishcouncil.org.uk or 07957 945828.

Wellow Post Office, which was temporarily closed for two years for renovations, is due to re-open tomorrow (Thursday).