Residents are fighting to restore the heart of their village by opening a market.

Chelwood Gate, near Crowborough, has not had a shop for four years.

They are now getting ready to host its first local produce market this weekend.

Residents hope the event at the village hall will become a regular fixture and will pave the way for a community-run shop.

Roy Galley, chairman of the village's shop committee, said: "Villages without shops become dormitory areas. Everyone goes away to work, shop and go out.

"We thought we would see if we can set up a community store staffed by volunteers. We realised it would be a lot of money for us to raise.

"So to keep the idea alive we decided to go ahead with the village market idea. If that proves a success we will look for funding for a shop."

In its heyday Chelwood Gate had up to six shops including a greengrocers and a butcher serving the community.

The last store, in Stone Quarry Road, closed four years ago forcing the village's 600 residents to rely on neighbouring towns and villages.

Mr Galley said: "It's a story that happens across many villages in Sussex. It's a result of the supermarket syndrome and the motor car.

"You have to try to do something to stop the decline of rural life.

"We want to stop people getting in their cars and driving to the supermarket and help local producers by providing them with an outlet."

There are eight community-led shops in rural villages across Sussex, 160 in the UK and more are being set up.

Alan Wyle, retail advisor for charity Action in Rural Sussex, said: "Community-run shops are getting more and more popular. As people lose their shop they realise what they are losing and form community groups.

"I think it's the future of rural communities because these shops do survive. It's about ownership. If you pay for a share in your shop you are much more likely to use it.

"There are so many benefits to it too. I'm told if you've got a good shop in the village it improves house prices.

"They also generate a lot of jobs and can be a lifeline for elderly people who are otherwise very isolated in rural communities."

The first market will be launched on Saturday at 10am at the village hall in Beaconsfield Road.

The shop committee will closely monitor its success and are keen to hear from anyone who can help fund their community shop bid.

Mr Galley said: "I know some groups have found a local millionaire who has given them the money to set up. If we could find someone like that it would be wonderful."

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