One benefit of the coronavirus pandemic is how it has highlighted the importance of community spirit.

Neighbours all across the country have come together to look out for each other during these tough times, whether that is through picking up supplies for someone shielding, talking on the phone to someone who lives on their own, or other acts of kindness.

Every week the Courant acknowledges business and organisations which have gone the extra mile to serve their neighbourhoods.

And this week’s Trader of the Week goes to the community-run Humshaugh Village Shop.

When organisations in the village organised a collective response to help Humshaugh residents cope with the impact of Covid-19, the shop became its hub for providing goods and access to information on wider services.

Around the UK, delivery services became a lifeline for people who were told to shield or self-isolate.

And volunteers from the shop have delivered supplies, including ready-meals and newspapers, to Humshaugh’s residents during the pandemic.

Dick Moules, chairman of Humshaugh Community Ventures, said the shop has become much busier since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Locals, as well as getting their own essentials, have also been picking up supplies for their neighbours, he added.

But the shop is not only a place for people to pick up their shopping items.

“We have taken in prescriptions from the local surgery since the last lockdown, so people don’t need to go into the surgery,” Dick said.

The shop has long been at the heart of their community.

It has been run by a team of volunteers since 2009 after it was threatened with closure when its post office shut down.

Residents began a campaign to save the shop but when no buyers came forward, a committee of volunteers formed a limited company called Humshaugh Community Ventures Limited and began managing the shop.

The shop currently has around 40 active volunteers.

Going above and beyond for their community, the shop also gives grants to help fund local projects, as well as to individual residents of Humshaugh who are in need.

“In the 11 years, we have given over £70,000 to people and projects,” Dick said.

“We give support to anyone in the village who needs it.

“We are here to help.”

If you are in a vulnerable group and/or self-isolating in Humshaugh, you can ring Humshaugh Village Shop to arrange for deliveries or ask for help with any other practical issues on 07469 796103.

The shop is open seven days a week, Monday-Wednesday 7.30am-1pm, Thursday 7.30am-1pm and 6pm-7pm, Friday 7.30am-1pm, Saturday 7.30am-12pm and Sunday 9am-12pm.