WEST Malvern Village Stores has closed this week after running for three years.

The shop closed on Wednesday, after manager Julie Ford, decided it was time for a break.

She plans to return to her family home in the Forest of Dean.

Ms Ford had the idea of setting up West Malvern Village Stores after noticing the need for a shop in the village and, with a start-up grant from Vital Villages, took over the premises.

Trade suffered during the foot and mouth epidemic due to a lack of visitors to the hills and Ms Ford says it has been difficult at times.

She said: "It has been hard work, but I have had so much support from people.

"It's only when you leave that you realise just how many people have been there for you."

She added: "I really hope that someone takes over the shop as I think the village needs it."

Karen Humphries from Vital Villages said: "We were glad to have invested the grant in Malvern Village Stores and we thought Julie worked very hard."

The lease of the shop is now being advertised locally, although so far, no interest has been shown in it.