A WEST Malvern landlord has opened up a shop in the back room of his pub.

Colin Robinson of The Lamb, says the shop is badly needed in the village, which has no other store.

He has stocked up with a variety of basic household supplies and groceries and is now ready to trade.

The "Shop at the Top" as it is dubbed, is around the back of the pub, off the car park.

"We've got things like bread and milk, sausages and bacon and tins of food," said Mr Robinson. "Just ring on the doorbell and someone will come to serve you."

The last village shop shut in 2003, with the post office having closed its doors the previous year.

Mr Robinson's initiative has been welcomed by West Malvern's district councillor John Raine.

"I'm absolutely thrilled. It's the best news of the week," he said. "I just hope villagers rally round and give it all the support they can."

Mr Robinson has arranged a official opening for Saturday, November 27, at 11am, when local celebrity Dick Strawbridge, of TV's Scrapheap Challenge, will do the honours.

Mr Robinson has been at the Lamb for a couple of years and has become involved with charitable causes in West Malvern.

During a musical evening at the pub tonight (Friday), four cheques for £160 each will be presented to West Malvern FC, the church roof appeal, primary school garden appeal and Leapfrogs playgroup.

The money was raised at the village music festival on August Bank Holiday Monday.